CNN reported that a Chinese aircraft dropped flares near a Canadian helicopter over international waters of the South China Sea last Sunday.

This was according to the pilot aboard the Canadian naval frigate "Ottawa," Rob Millin, to CNN. The military member told the TV network: "The danger to the Canadian helicopter in this case was if the flares had hit the rotor blades or the engine, the incident would then be classified as dangerous, unusual, and unprofessional."

Millin pointed out that the incident was the second of its kind on the day when Chinese fighter jets approached to a distance of 30.48 meters from the frigate "Ottawa," and said that the two incidents occurred in different locations tens of kilometers away from the Paracel Islands. According to the Canadian military, the helicopter was searching for a previously detected submarine when those incidents took place.

Millin also said that Canada and other countries have witnessed Chinese aircraft approaching fixed-wing planes on many occasions in the past, but such behavior against helicopters is rare.

Millin continued to CNN that earlier that same day he was piloting a helicopter when he was intercepted by Chinese J-11 aircraft at close range while flying straight and level at an altitude of 914.4 meters above the water returning to the deck of the "Ottawa," which he considered a sign of no hostile intent. At the same time, according to Millin, Chinese aircraft flew around his helicopter, and he said he descended to an altitude of 60.97 meters, which is "very uncomfortable for fast jets," thus ending that encounter.