The reckless actions of Chinese forces in the South China Sea have been condemned by the Philippine Coast Guard after two incidents involving patrol aircraft and a Chinese jet.
On August 22, a plane belonging to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources was carrying out a Maritime Domain Awareness Flight near Subi Reef when it was threatened with flares launched from a Chinese island base.
In addition, on August 19, a Chinese jet engaged in dangerous maneuvers, deploying flares at a close distance of approximately 15 meters from a Philippine aircraft.
The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea condemned China’s actions, saying: “The Chinese fighter jet was not provoked, but its behavior showed dangerous intentions, risking the lives of those on board.”
These incidents violate the agreement signed between China and the Philippines in July, aimed at de-escalating tensions regarding the Second Thomas Shoal.
Despite an international tribunal ruling in 2016 stating that Beijing’s claims had no legal standing, China insists it owns the reef. The Philippines has laid claim to the reef since 1999, when it grounded the BRP Sierra Madre ship there.
Relations between the two countries have become progressively volatile over time, with the situation described as “never before” volatile over the last few months by the International Crisis Group.
