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Philippines to Lodge Diplomatic Protest Against China for Air Force Display

August 12, 2024 TruthUSA

Philippines Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo mentioned on Aug. 12 that the country intends to lodge a diplomatic protest with China following a recent incident involving the Chinese military and the Philippine air force.

Reports from Philippine officials state that on Aug. 8, two Chinese aircraft released flares in the direction of a Philippine patrol plane, a move that was criticized as “unjustified, illegal,” and “very dangerous.”

Philippines Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro addressed reporters on Monday, highlighting this incident as part of a recurring pattern displayed by Beijing in the South China Sea, behavior that he believes they should be accustomed to. Despite this, he urged China to respect international laws.

The Philippines’ National Security Council also called on China to halt all provocative and hazardous actions. The Chinese embassy in Manila has not responded to requests for comments.

Dispute Over Scarborough Shoal

The altercation took place over the Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, a 58-square-mile atoll that has been a point of contention between the Philippines and China for years.

Although Philippine fishermen frequent the atoll, China asserts ownership of the territory, often displaying its military presence in the area.

In 2012, the Philippines sought legal arbitration, leading to The Hague’s Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling in favor of the Philippines in 2016. Despite this ruling, China has continued to claim ownership of the area.

China lays claim to almost the entirety of the South China Sea, causing tensions with neighboring nations such as Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia, and Taiwan, who rely on the region for fishing and trade. The South China Sea sees about $3 trillion in trade annually and is believed to hold substantial oil and natural gas reserves.

The conflict has resulted in physical altercations in the past, including Chinese vessels ramming into Philippine boats and crew members resorting to handheld weapons. A provisional agreement was reached on July 24 to reduce tensions and “avoid skirmishes.”

Philippines President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. released a statement condemning the Chinese military’s provocation on Aug. 8.

“The actions of the People’s Liberation Army—Air Force (PLAAF) aircraft were unjustified, illegal, and reckless, especially as the PAF aircraft was undertaking a routine maritime security operation in Philippine sovereign airspace,” he stated.

The Chinese military responded to the accusations in a WeChat statement claiming “indisputable” ownership of the territory and justifying their actions as “professional, standard, justified, and lawful,” while accusing the Philippine patrol plane of “intruding” on Chinese military exercises.

Teodoro urged China on Monday to respect international law and “deescalate,” acknowledging China’s historical reluctance to comply.

Reuters contributed to this report.

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