Beijing warned on Tuesday that the incursion of a Canadian military aircraft into the airspace of the disputed Diaoyu Islands, also known as the Senkaku Islands (in Japanese), in the South China Sea, poses a threat to China's national security.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a press conference that "on October 14, a Canadian CP-140 aircraft unlawfully invaded the airspace of the Chiu-Yu Island in the Chinese Diaoyu archipelago, which constitutes a serious violation of China's sovereignty and a threat to China's national security."

She continued that "in response to Canada's actions, Beijing has lodged a stern protest to Ottawa, and the Chinese military on the ground has taken necessary measures."

She added that "the fact is that the Canadian warplane traveled a long distance to provoke trouble on China's doorstep, and the People's Republic of China will act according to the laws and regulations in force."

Mao Ning continued: "Canada should respect the objective facts and stop spreading false information."

Canadian Defense Minister Bill Blair stated on Monday that the recent interception of a Canadian military aircraft by Chinese fighter jets over international waters was "unprofessional and unsafe," according to Canadian broadcaster CBC.