Canada points out China’s ‘very dangerous maneuver’
China responds by entering our airspace without permission
It has been reported that a Chinese fighter jet and a Canadian helicopter recently reached a dangerous situation on the verge of collision in the high seas of the South China Sea, a territorial disputed area. There are even concerns that this situation could escalate into a military conflict between the two countries.
According to the Canadian media ‘Globe and Mail’ on the 5th (local time), Canadian Defense Minister Bill Blair said, “A Chinese fighter jet performed an unprofessional and unsafe maneuver targeting a Canadian helicopter flying over the high seas of the South China Sea.”
Specifically, on the 29th of last month, a Chinese fighter jet passed over a Canadian military helicopter in the high seas of the South China Sea, causing ‘significant turbulence.’ It was reported that on the 3rd, another Chinese fighter jet fired a flare right in front of the Canadian military helicopter, forcing the helicopter to quickly change direction.
Minister Blair pointed out, “This interaction between the two sides occurred in international airspace (high seas airspace),” and added, “China’s actions are evaluated as unjustifiable and quite dangerous.”
He continued, “Canada is a Pacific country, and we will continue to support the international rules-based order to maintain the safety of international navigation,” and added, “We will continue to strengthen our forces in the (Indo-Pacific) region.”
The Canadian government has been strengthening its military deployment in the Indo-Pacific region in accordance with its new foreign policy strategy announced last year. Together with the U.S. military, we have conducted ‘freedom of navigation operations’ in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait.
On the other hand, the Chinese side claimed that the Canadian helicopter responded by entering Chinese airspace without permission.
The Chinese Ministry of National Defense said in a statement on the 4th by Spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang, “Recently, a helicopter on board the Canadian frigate Ottawa made two consecutive flights with unknown intentions and approached the airspace of China’s Xisa Islands (British name: Paracel Islands). He said, “The Chinese military organized the Navy and Air Force to identify and investigate in accordance with the law and issued several warnings.”
The Chinese Ministry of National Defense claimed, “However, the Canadian helicopter not only refused to answer, but also took provocative maneuvers such as flying at very low altitudes,” adding, “Afterwards, (the Canadian side) criticized and smeared China while swaying public opinion.”
He continued, “Canada’s actions violated China’s domestic law and relevant international law, threatened China’s sovereignty and security, and were a malicious provocation with other intentions.”
The Chinese Ministry of National Defense also said, “China’s response actions are professional and consistent with norms,” adding, “We urge the Canadian side not to distort the facts, stop exaggeration and propaganda, and strictly control the actions of front-line naval and air forces at sea and in the air.” “We urge you to prevent accidental incidents from occurring,” he added.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.