China has lodged strong objections against Canada, accusing it of engaging in “malicious and provocative” actions in the South China Sea. This dispute follows a recent incident where Chinese fighter jets intercepted a Canadian military helicopter over international waters, raising concerns about reckless maneuvers.
The episode in question saw a Chinese warplane firing flares in front of a Canadian military helicopter on October 29, a move deemed unsafe and fraught with the potential for dire consequences. The helicopter encountered two “unsafe” incidents with Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy J-11 fighters on the same day, with the jets coming as close as 100 feet from the helicopter, according to Major Rob Millen, the air officer aboard the Royal Canadian Navy frigate HMCS Ottawa.
Canadian Defense Minister Bill Blair characterized the Chinese jets’ actions as “significantly unsafe,” putting all personnel involved at unnecessary risk. Importantly, both incidents occurred in international waters within the South China Sea, as confirmed by Canada.
China’s Defense Ministry countered these claims by accusing Canada of violating both Chinese and international laws. The ministry further asserted that Canada’s actions jeopardized China’s sovereignty and security, branding them as “malicious and provocative” with ulterior motives.
According to Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesperson for the Chinese Defense Ministry, Canada’s HMCS Ottawa frigate conducted two helicopter sorties with “unknown intentions” near China’s airspace around the disputed Xisha Islands, also known as the Paracel Islands. These islands are claimed by China, Vietnam, and Taiwan.
China’s response included organizing naval and air forces to verify the situation and issue multiple warnings. However, the Canadian helicopter allegedly failed to respond and conducted provocative actions, including flying at extremely low altitudes.
The dispute highlights the ongoing tensions in the South China Sea and the potential for incidents that could further exacerbate these geopolitical challenges. It underscores the need for diplomatic efforts to manage disputes and maintain stability in the region.