Chinese Air Force Jets Endanger Philippine Military Patrol Plane
The head of the Philippine military has issued a strong condemnation of the perilous actions carried out by two Chinese air force aircraft that endangered a Philippine air force plane in the South China Sea. Reports indicate that the Chinese jets engaged in a risky maneuver and deployed flares in the vicinity of the Philippine patrol plane over the Scarborough Shoal. Fortunately, all crew members aboard the Philippine air force NC-212i light transport plane returned safely to Clark Air Base following the incident.
General Romeo Brawner stated that the Chinese jets flew at an extremely close distance to the Philippine air force turbo-prop plane, putting the lives of the pilots at risk. During the encounter, at least eight flares were discharged by the Chinese fighter jets. The Chinese Southern Theater Command alleged that the Philippine aircraft had unlawfully entered the airspace above Huangyan Island (Scarborough Shoal) and disrupted their training activities. They further asserted that the on-site operation was justified and cautioned the Philippines to cease their infringement and provocation.
The Philippine military has reported the incident to the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila and intends to lodge diplomatic protests against China’s aggressive actions in the disputed waters. General Romeo Brawner emphasized that the incident posed a significant threat to the Philippine air force and its crew, as well as violated international law and regulations governing aviation safety. Despite the incident, the Philippines remains committed to exercising their rights in accordance with international law, including conducting routine patrols in the contested region.
The South China Sea is an area of intense contention, with territorial claims also being made by Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand. Tensions between China and the Philippines have been particularly high since last year, with clashes between their coast guard and navy forces in the Scarborough Shoal and Second Thomas Shoal. The United States has also reported encountering dangerous maneuvers by Chinese air force planes in the area and has deployed military assets to promote freedom of navigation and overflight.
The U.S. has reiterated its commitment to defending the Philippines as its oldest treaty ally in Asia if Filipino forces come under armed attack, including in the South China Sea. The presence and actions of military vessels and aircraft from various countries in the region continue to be a point of contention, with China expressing concern over what it perceives as a threat to regional security.
Simina Mistreanu in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, contributed to this report.
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