On Monday, Chinese fighter jets intercepted a Canadian surveillance aircraft observing North Korea sanctions, eliciting sharp rebukes from Defence Minister Bill Blair. During a press briefing in Ottawa, Blair described the incident as “not professional, not safe,” deeming the Chinese military’s actions unacceptable and highly dangerous to Canada’s aircraft and mission.
The aircraft in question, the Royal Canadian Air Force CP-140 Aurora, has been playing an integral role in Operation NEON – Canada’s contribution to the United Nation’s mission against North Korean sanctions.
Canada has intermittently deployed military ships, aircraft, and personnel since 2018, with plans to continue until 2026. Squads are enlisted for surveillance purposes to identify suspected violations of maritime sanctions, paying particular attention to ship-to-ship transfers of fuel and other commodities that conflict with the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council.
The tension unfolded while the Aurora traversed the international airspace over the East China Sea. Chinese warplanes reportedly drew perilously close to the Aurora – a mere five metres – and allegedly launched flares.
Expressing deep concern over the incident, Blair censured the dangerous and reckless interaction by stating, “Such behaviours are never acceptable and we will articulate this sentiment to the People’s Republic of China emphatically.”
The Canadian Aurora aircraft has previously been intercepted by the Chinese military during Operation NEON, with past incidents reported in November 2022 and May 2023. An intercept entails one aircraft closely approaching another.
The Aurora patrol aircraft typically operates from Japan while participating in the international UN mission. Currently, the Aurora, along with the Royal Canadian Navy frigate HMCS Vancouver, are stationed in the region until November 2023.
The Chinese embassy in Ottawa has not yet offered any comments concerning the incident.
