China: Firing of flares professional and consistent with int’l law

/ 04:30 AM August 14, 2024

PH files diplomatic protest vs China over harassment of PAF plane in WPS

HARASSMENT IN THE SKY This photo shared by a Philippine government source shows Chinese fighter jets making a “dangerous” move against a Philippine Air Force plane, firing flares into its path as it was flying over Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal on Aug. 8.

MANILA, Philippines — China insisted that its firing of flares against the path of Philippine Air Force plane while it was flying over Scarborough Shoal was only a part of their “necessary” and “lawful measures,” claiming that it is professional and consistent with international law.

In a press conference on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian insisted that Scarborough Shoal, which he called Huang Yan Dao, is theirs.

Article continues after this advertisement

“On August 7 and 8, Philippine military aircraft twice intruded into the adjacent airspace of Huangyan Dao, which gravely infringed upon China’s sovereignty and violated international law and the basic norms governing international relations,” said Lin.

FEATURED STORIES

READ: Flares over Panatag: PH protests Chinese aggression

READ: PH wins arbitration case over South China Sea

Article continues after this advertisement

“The Chinese military took necessary and lawful measures in response, and their maneuvers at the scene were professional and consistent with Chinese laws and international law. Considering that it sent the military aircraft to Huangyan Dao’s airspace during the joint patrol with the US, Australia and Canada in the South China Sea, what the Philippines did with its aircraft was clearly a deliberate provocation,” he added.

Article continues after this advertisement

China’s continued aggression in Philippine waters is borne out of a sweeping claim over most of the South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea.

Article continues after this advertisement

It, however,  has long been dismissed by an arbitral tribunal.

The Philippine government, for its part, already protested China’s recent harassment and aggression, which transpired at a time when tensions between the two nations are beginning to ease out.

Article continues after this advertisement

Earlier, President Ferdinand Marcos himself denounced China’s actions, calling it unjustified, illegal, and reckless.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

For comprehensive coverage, in-depth analysis, visit our special page for West Philippine Sea updates. Stay informed with articles, videos, and expert opinions.

TAGS: China aggression, West Philippine Sea

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2025 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.