Ottawa, November 5: Canada’s Department of National Defence says it is investigating reports that China has attempted to use lucrative payouts to lure British, Canadian and other former military pilots to train its air force.
In October, the BBC and others reported that as many as 30 former British military pilots had travelled to train members of China’s People’s Liberation Army. Former military personnel from other allied nations, including Australia and Canada, are also reportedly being targeted by intermediaries with offers that can include six-figure payouts. The BBC says fighter jets, helicopters and other pilots are being sought to help the Chinese military learn how British and allied forces operate, information that could prove vital in a potential conflict, like one over Taiwan.
A retired military source told that they are aware of former Royal Canadian Air Force members being approached with, and declining, offers to train military pilots in China. They did not know if others had accepted, and claimed they were first made aware of these activities in a 2014 briefing.
While it is unclear if any Canadians have accepted an offer, according to The Globe and Mail, several former Royal Canadian Air Force pilots are currently employed by a South African flight school that also reportedly trains Chinese military pilots.
“The Security of Information Act applies to both current and former members, and non-compliance with the Act could result in serious consequences,” the Canadian defence spokesperson said, referring to legislation that affects those with federal security clearances.
Consequences for breaching the Security of Information Act can include up to 14 years imprisonment on indictment for “Unauthorized communication of special operational information.”
