China’s foreign ministry warned Canada on Monday that any “risky provocation” may result in “serious consequences,” after the Canadian military accused Chinese warplanes of harassing its patrol aircraft monitoring North Korean sanctions violations last week.

“The United Nations Security Council has never authorised any country to conduct military surveillance in other countries’ waters or airspace in the pretext of imposing sanctions,” Zhao Lijian, a spokeswoman for the foreign ministry, said during a press conference.

Last week, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated that Canada was a member of “an essential mission” in the North Pacific to guarantee that North Korean sanctions are adequately enforced.

According to the Canadian military, Chinese aircraft have forced Canadian planes to deviate from their flight courses on occasion.
According to Wu Qian, a spokesman for the Chinese defence ministry, the Chinese military has taken “appropriate steps” in response to Canada’s activities and has made “solemn representations” through diplomatic channels.

According to China’s defence ministry, Canadian military jets have increased reconnaissance and “provocations” against the country “on the pretext” of enforcing UN Security Council resolutions, jeopardising China’s national security.