Philippines demands China halt “Provocative actions” in South China sea
The Philippine government issued a stern call to Beijing on Saturday, demanding an immediate cessation of “provocative and dangerous actions” following recent incidents in the South China Sea.
According to the Philippines’ South China Sea Task Force, a Manila aircraft conducting routine patrols near Scarborough Shoal on August 19 faced harassment from a Chinese jet fighter. The same aircraft was reportedly subjected to “unjustifiable” flare deployments from China-occupied Subi Reef on August 22, an act described as hazardous and intimidating.
The task force condemned these actions, stating that they “undermine regional peace and security” and damage the international image of China. The flare deployment occurred at a dangerously close distance to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) aircraft, which was engaged in monitoring and intercepting illegal fishing activities in the Philippine exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
The incidents follow a recent spate of maritime confrontations between the two nations and come less than two weeks after another air encounter near Scarborough Shoal. This escalation occurs despite ongoing efforts by both Manila and Beijing to “restore trust” and “rebuild confidence” to better manage their maritime disputes.
There has been no immediate response from the Chinese Embassy in Manila. China claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea and has established several artificial islands, including Subi Reef, which is strategically close to Philippine-occupied Thitu Island in the Spratlys.
The Philippines has repeatedly challenged China’s expansive claims, supported by a 2016 international arbitral tribunal ruling that invalidated Beijing’s claims under international law.
The South China Sea Task Force reiterated its call for China to cease all actions that threaten the safety of Philippine vessels and aircraft operating within their EEZ, emphasizing the need for peaceful and lawful maritime conduct.
