Speaking on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Asia’s leading security summit, Anand said the issue was raised through diplomacy. Asked if he had spoken to Chinese Defense Minister Wei Fenghe, who is also in the meeting, Anand said: “I’m meeting several counterparts while I’m here.” The Canadian military has accused Chinese warplanes of harassing its patrol aircraft this month as they monitored sanctions imposed on North Korea, sometimes forcing Canadian planes to deviate from their flight paths. read more Sign up now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Register China’s defense ministry says Canadian military aircraft have stepped up reconnaissance and “provocations” against China “under the pretext” of implementing UN Security Council resolutions, endangering China’s national security. “The interceptions of (our aircraft) by the Chinese are very worrying and unprofessional and we have to make sure that the safety and security of our pilots is not compromised, especially when they are just watching as required by UN-approved missions. he said. US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin told the meeting earlier on Saturday that there had been a “worrying” increase in the number of unsafe and unprofessional meetings between Chinese planes and ships with those of other countries. read more Anad also reiterated Canada’s commitment to “stand shoulder to shoulder” with Ukraine and keep it supplied with the military, financial and humanitarian assistance it needs. The minister declined to comment on reports that Canada had asked South Korea to supply it with artillery shells, apparently to “fill” the supplies that Ottawa has sent to Ukraine. read more A South Korean Defense Ministry spokesman confirmed that Ottawa had made the request, but did not elaborate, saying “no formal process is under way.” Anand said: “As far as our stock is concerned, we maintain a careful balance with what we offer and ensure that we use our relationships with suppliers to make sure that we send the necessary assistance that Ukraine is asking for.” Sign up now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Register Report by Raju Gopalakrishnan. Edited by Gerry Doyle Our role models: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
