Tensions Rise in the South China Sea: Philippine Military Denounces Dangerous Chinese Maneuvers

The Philippine military chief has condemned the provocative actions of Chinese aircraft, which executed dangerous maneuvers and dropped flares near a Philippine air force plane in the South China Sea. The incident, which occurred over the Scarborough Shoal, has heightened tensions between the two countries as they continue to contest territorial claims in the region.

On Saturday, the Philippine military chief condemned the provocative actions of two Chinese air force aircraft that carried out a dangerous maneuver and dropped flares in the path of a Philippine air force plane on routine patrol in the South China Sea.

General Romeo Brawner confirmed that all those aboard the Philippine air force NC-212i light transport plane were unharmed and successfully returned to Clark Air Base north of Manila after Thursday morning's encounter over the Scarborough Shoal.

A top Philippine security official, speaking anonymously, revealed that the Chinese jets flew at a very close distance to the Philippine turbo-prop aircraft, putting the lives of the pilots at substantial risk. Another security officer reported that at least eight flares were released by the Chinese fighter jets.

The Chinese People's Liberation Army's Southern Theater Command responded, stating that a Philippine Air Force aircraft had 'illegally' entered the airspace above Huangyan Island, disrupting Chinese training exercises. The command deployed jets and ships to identify and drive away the Philippine aircraft, maintaining that their actions were professional and justified.

General Brawner stressed that the incident posed a significant threat to Philippine aircraft and contravened international law. The matter has been reported to Manila's Department of Foreign Affairs, which has lodged numerous diplomatic protests against China's aggressive actions in the disputed waters.

Brawner affirmed that these provocations would not deter the Philippines from conducting routine patrols in accordance with international law. The incident underscores the heightened tension between China and the Philippines over territorial claims in the South China Sea, a key global trade route. Hostilities have particularly flared between Chinese and Philippine forces since last year in the Scarborough Shoal and other disputed areas.

(With inputs from agencies.)