Philippines Accuses China of Flare Incident in South China Sea
In a recent development, the Philippine government has accused China of firing flares at one of its aircraft during patrols over the South China Sea. Tensions have escalated between the two countries in the strategic waterway, raising concerns about potential armed conflict involving the United States, a key Philippine ally.
The incident occurred on August 19 near Scarborough Shoal, with a Chinese fighter jet engaging in dangerous manoeuvres close to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources plane. Flares were allegedly deployed multiple times at a dangerously close distance. Subsequent flare launches near the same aircraft from China-held Subi Reef further intensified the situation.
While China acknowledged taking “countermeasures” against Philippine military aircraft that entered its airspace on August 22, it did not mention the earlier incident over Scarborough Shoal. The history of territorial disputes in the region, including the 2012 standoff over the shoal, adds complexity to the current situation.
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