China Berulah Lagi Putting Flares On The Philippine Airplane Line, Manila Sends Diplomatic Protests

UNSPLASH/NOAA ILLUSTRATION

JAKARTA - The Philippines will file a diplomatic protest to China over a recent incident involving Air Force aircraft in the airspace in the shallow waters of the South China Sea.

The Southeast Asian nation will continue maritime patrols in the South China Sea despite "dangerous and provocative" actions carried out by the Chinese Air Force last week, he said.

As reported by Reuters on Monday, August 12, Philippine military commander Romeo Brawner said China had committed dangerous acts. Two Chinese aircraft dropped flares on the Philippine Air Force plane route conducting routine patrols at Scarborough Shoal on August 8.

Philippine Defense Minister Gilberto Teodoro said he hoped China would comply with international law and the need to reduce tensions.

On Sunday, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos said China's actions were "un justifiable, illegal and reckless".

The Chinese Embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for comment. On Saturday, China's People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command said Philippine aircraft had carried out intruders illegally despite repeated warnings.