Philippine Military Chief Condemns Dangerous Chinese Aircraft Maneuvers in South China Sea

The head of the Philippine military, Gen Romeo Brawner, criticized the dangerous maneuvers executed by two Chinese aircraft over the South China Sea, which threatened a Philippine air force patrol. Although there were no injuries, the incident has heightened tensions and prompted diplomatic protests. The U.S. has reaffirmed its defense obligations to the Philippines.

The Philippine military chief, Gen Romeo Brawner, condemned on Saturday what he described as the provocative actions of two Chinese air force aircraft. According to Brawner, the aircraft executed a dangerous maneuver and dropped flares in the path of a Philippine air force plane conducting a routine patrol in the South China Sea.

Brawner reported that the NC-212i light transport plane returned safely to Clark Air Base, north of Manila, following the incident over Scarborough Shoal on Thursday morning. No injuries were reported. There has been no immediate response from Chinese officials in Manila or Beijing, who dispute sovereign control over the atoll.

The incident was deemed a threat to the Philippine aircraft and its crew, interfering with lawful flight operations within Philippine jurisdiction and contravening international aviation safety laws, Brawner stated. The case has been reported to Manila's Department of Foreign Affairs, which has filed numerous diplomatic protests against China's actions in the disputed waters. Brawner affirmed that this incident would not deter the Philippines from continuing its patrols in the region, reiterating their commitment to international law.

(With inputs from agencies.)