Canada's defense minister on Monday slammed Chinese fighter jets' "dangerous and reckless" intercept of a Canadian maritime patrol aircraft while it was helping to enforce United Nations sanctions against North Korea.

The Chinese planes shadowed the Canadian Aurora aircraft over several hours in international waters, with one coming within five meters (15 feet) of the Canadian plane, according to a Global News television crew on the flight.

Speaking to reporters in Ottawa, Defense Minister Bill Blair called the Chinese air force's actions "unprofessional."

"It was, quite frankly, dangerous and reckless," he said, adding that his concerns would be conveyed to Beijing.

Beijing hit back on Tuesday, accusing the Canadian plane of having "illegally intruded into the airspace" of Chiwei island, which lies in the Japan-administered Senkakus claimed by China.

"The Canadian military aircraft travelled thousands of miles to make trouble and provocation at China's doorstep," foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said.

"The Chinese side dealt with it according to law and regulations," she said.

"The Canadian side should respect objective facts and stop spreading false information."