China's National Defense Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang responded on Saturday to Canada's recent claims of "unsafe interceptions" by Chinese military jets, saying that Canadian helicopter's approaches to Chinese airspace in the South China Sea were malicious and provocative acts with ulterior motives

Zhang said that recently, a military helicopter from Canadian HMCS Ottawa approached Chinese airspace in Xisha Islands in the South China Sea twice. The Chinese People's Liberation Army followed proper procedures by identifying and verifying the intentions of the Canadian helicopter and issued multiple warnings.

However, the Canadian helicopter refused to respond and engaged in provocative actions such as flying at extremely low altitudes. The Canadian side then widely exaggerated and hyped the incident through media, with baseless accusations and smears directed at China, Zhang said.

Canadian actions violate Chinese domestic laws and relevant international laws, endanger China's sovereignty and security, and represent a deliberate and malicious act of provocation, he said.

China's response to this incident was carried out in a professional and lawful manner, Zhang said. China's National Defense Ministry urged the Canadian side to adhere to the truth, stop exaggerating and hyping the incident, and strictly control the actions of frontline sea and air forces, and prevent any maritime and aerial accidents.

Zhang said Chinese military remains on high alert at all times and is determined to defend national sovereignty, security, maritime rights, and interests, while firmly safeguarding peace and stability in the South China Sea.