The Philippines government accused China of firing flares at one of its aircraft during patrols over the South China Sea, escalating tensions in the region. Beijing’s aggressive actions near Scarborough Shoal and Subi Reef have raised concerns of armed conflict with the United States, a Filipino ally.
The Chinese fighter jet engaged in dangerous maneuvers, deploying flares only 15 meters from the Philippine aircraft. This unprovoked harassment during maritime patrols led to diplomatic clashes, with China justifying its actions as necessary to protect its sovereignty.
Previous incidents near the shoals have resulted in collisions between coast guard vessels, and dangerous encounters in the air. Despite international rulings against its claims, China continues to assert dominance over the South China Sea.
Manila has called for China to cease all provocative actions, emphasizing the need for regional peace and security. The ongoing tensions highlight the risks posed by China’s assertive behavior in the disputed waters.
© 2024 AFP
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