MANILA. The Philippines has urged China to de-escalate tensions in the South China Sea following what it described as a “very dangerous” incident involving Chinese aircraft near Scarborough Shoal. The incident occurred just days after both nations had agreed to better manage maritime disputes.
On Thursday, two Chinese aircraft executed a perilous maneuver and released flares in the path of Philippine Air Force planes conducting a routine patrol over the contested Scarborough Shoal, according to the Philippine military. China, however, disputed this account, asserting that its actions were professional and legal.
Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro described the incident as part of a “continuous pattern” of Beijing asserting its claims and presence in the South China Sea. “It is a response we should be acclimated to,” Teodoro told reporters. He urged China to comply with international law and heed calls from the Philippines and other countries to “temper” its actions.
The Philippines’ National Security Council also called for China to “cease all forms of provocative and hazardous acts.” The Southern Theater Command of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army responded by accusing the Philippine aircraft of illegal intrusion despite repeated warnings.
China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea, including the Scarborough Shoal, have led to regional tensions and disputes with neighboring countries over exclusive economic zones. Beijing rejects the 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, which invalidated its broad claims under international law.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. condemned China’s actions on Sunday, with Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo stating that Manila will formally protest. Teodoro expressed hope that China would adhere to international law and de-escalate tensions. “They will stick to their narrative that we know there is no international support whatsoever. All they have on their side is brute force and strength and might,” he said.
Philippine military chief Romeo Brawner labeled the Chinese maneuvers as “very dangerous” but affirmed that the armed forces will continue patrolling waters within the country’s exclusive economic zone. “That is our right,” Brawner stated.
Despite recent tensions, Manila and Beijing reached a “provisional arrangement” last month to manage resupply missions to the ship at the Second Thomas Shoal, aiming to ease conflicts and manage their differences.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
