The Philippine military has strongly condemned the recent actions taken by China’s air force in the South China Sea, describing the maneuvers as “dangerous and provocative.” This represents a significant departure from previous responses, as it is the first time the Philippines has raised concerns about the actions of Chinese aircraft, rather than navy or coast guard vessels, since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr took office in 2022.

The specific incident involved two People’s Liberation Army Air Force aircraft performing a dangerous maneuver and releasing flares in the path of a NC-212i Philippine air force propeller aircraft carrying out a routine maritime patrol over the Scarborough shoal. The military’s statement emphasized that such actions posed a direct threat to the lives of their personnel engaged in maritime security operations within Philippine maritime zones. Armed forces chief Romeo Brawner stated that the Chinese aircraft interfered with lawful flight operations and violated international aviation safety regulations.

Subsequent to this incident, the Chinese embassy in Manila has not issued a response to the allegations made by the Philippine military.

The Scarborough Shoal has been a constant source of tension between the Philippines and China, serving as one of two focal points in a longstanding maritime dispute. Filipino fishermen regularly visit the shoal, known as Bajo de Masinloc in the Philippines and Huangyan Island in China. China’s recent combat patrol near the shoal further escalated tensions in the region. Beijing’s territorial claims in the South China Sea have been a source of contention, as they overlap with claims made by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei.

This latest incident is part of a broader pattern of disputes in the South China Sea, despite a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague that rejected Beijing’s expansive claims as having no basis under international law. The Philippines previously accused Chinese fishermen of engaging in destructive fishing practices at Scarborough Shoal, including the use of cyanide, harvesting protected marine species, and causing damage to coral reefs. China has denied these allegations.

The recent actions by China’s air force have added a new dimension to the ongoing tensions in the South China Sea, drawing strong condemnation from the Philippine military. This incident serves as a reminder of the complex and volatile nature of maritime disputes in the region, with multiple countries vying for control over strategic territories. As the situation continues to unfold, it is essential for diplomatic channels to remain open to prevent further escalation and maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea.

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