Philippines Reports Aircraft Threatened by Chinese Flares in South China Sea Incident
On Saturday, Philippine officials reported that a plane belonging to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources was threatened by flares launched from a Chinese island base while conducting a routine patrol over the South China Sea. This incident marks another chapter in the ongoing territorial disputes between the Philippines and China, which have escalated not only on the waters but also in the airspace above, particularly in one of the busiest maritime trade routes in the world.
The aircraft, a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan, encountered the flares during its patrol near Subi Reef on Thursday. This area has been converted by China into a militarized island base. The Philippine government task force, which includes the Department of National Defense, noted that specific details about the distance from which the flares were launched were not disclosed, nor was it confirmed if the aircraft continued its mission to monitor for illegal fishing within the Philippines’ internationally recognized exclusive economic zone.
Previously, on August 19, the same fisheries plane was subjected to harassment by a Chinese air force fighter jet, which reportedly performed reckless maneuvers, deploying flares at an alarming proximity of approximately 15 meters. The task force emphasized that the Chinese aircraft’s actions were unprovoked and posed significant risks to the personnel aboard the Philippine aircraft.
Furthermore, the Philippine task force firmly urged the People’s Republic of China to cease all provocative actions that jeopardize the safety of Philippine vessels and aircraft operating legitimately within their territorial waters. They stated that such behaviors undermine regional peace and security and tarnish China’s standing with the international community.
In a related encounter on August 8, two Chinese jets had allegedly flown dangerously close to a Philippine air force patrol plane, also firing flares. These incidents are indicative of escalating tensions in the region, particularly as the South China Sea remains a contentious area amid increasing military presence from the United States and its allies, including Australia and Canada.
Chinese authorities defended their operations, stating that the Philippine aircraft had entered airspace they claim over the Scarborough Shoal, disrupting their training exercises. In response to these tensions, General Romeo Brawner Jr., the chief of the Philippine military, expressed grave concern over the potential dangers posed by such incidents and noted the serious implications had the flares struck the aircraft, reiterating the need for a diplomatic approach to resolve these disputes effectively.
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