The Philippines on Monday called on Beijing to de-escalate tensions in the South China Sea following what it described as “very dangerous” actions by China’s air force. The incident occurred just days after the two nations had agreed to better manage their maritime disputes.
Incident Over Scarborough Shoal
On Thursday, two Chinese aircraft executed a hazardous manoeuvre and dropped flares in the path of a Philippine air force aircraft conducting a routine patrol over the contested Scarborough Shoal, according to Manila’s military. In response, China disputed the account, claiming its actions were professional and lawful.
Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro characterised the incident as part of a “continuous pattern” by Beijing to assert its claims in the South China Sea. “It is a response we should be acclimated to,” Teodoro said, urging China to adhere to international law and to heed calls from the Philippines and other countries to “temper” its actions.
The Philippines’ National Security Council also urged China to “cease all forms of provocative and hazardous acts.”
China’s Response and Territorial Disputes
China’s embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for comment. However, on Saturday, the Southern Theater Command of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army claimed that the Philippine aircraft had illegally intruded into Chinese airspace despite repeated warnings.
Beijing claims nearly all of the South China Sea, including the Scarborough Shoal, a position that has angered neighbouring countries whose exclusive economic zones are encroached upon by China’s claims. China has rejected a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, which found that Beijing’s expansive claims had no basis under international law.
Philippines’ Response
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. condemned China’s actions, and Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo announced on Monday that Manila would formally protest the incident. Defense Secretary Teodoro expressed hope that China would adhere to international law, emphasising that China’s narrative lacks international support and is based solely on “brute force and strength.”
Philippine military chief Romeo Brawner also criticised China’s actions, describing them as “very dangerous.” He asserted that the Philippines would not be deterred and would continue to patrol waters within its exclusive economic zone. “That is our right,” Brawner stated.
Recent Developments and Agreements
Despite the recent tensions, Manila and Beijing have made efforts to manage their differences. Last month, the two countries reached a “provisional arrangement” concerning resupply missions to the Second Thomas Shoal, aiming to ease tensions and manage their maritime disputes.
The latest incident underscores the ongoing challenges in the South China Sea, where conflicting territorial claims continue to strain relations between China and its neighbours.
With Inputs from Reuters
