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China accuses Canada of stepping up reconnaissance against Chinese military
- Last week, Canada’s military accused Chinese warplanes of harassing its aircraft while they monitored potential sanction breaches by North Korea
- Chinese defence ministry spokesman says Canada must refrain from risky and provocative behaviour while Beijing has made solemn representations to Ottawa
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Beijing on Monday accused Canadian warplanes of stepping up reconnaissance against the Chinese military, and defended the actions of PLA aircraft as “reasonable” and “professional”.
Chinese defence ministry spokesman Wu Qian said Beijing had made solemn representations to Ottawa via diplomatic channels.
The protest came after the Canadian Armed Forces last week accused China of harassing its pilots while they monitored potential sanction breaches by Pyongyang, forcing the Canadian planes to divert from their flight paths on several occasions to avoid collision.
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Canada’s aircraft were operating from Kadena Airbase in Japan between April 26 and May 26.
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Ottawa said the incidents took place in international airspace, which Beijing has not disputed.
Wu said China urged the Canadian side to be aware of the seriousness of the situation, strictly restrain its frontline troops and refrain from risky and provocative behaviour, “otherwise, all serious consequences arising from it shall be borne by the Canadian side”.
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On Thursday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said China’s move was extremely troubling and he had ordered officials to raise it with their Chinese counterparts.
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