MANILA August 24. 2024 (Saba) - The Philippines has accused China of firing flares at one of its patrol planes in the South China Sea, escalating tensions in the ongoing island dispute between the two nations.
According to the Philippine government, a Chinese fighter jet fired flares "several times" at dangerously close range to a Philippine civilian patrol plane near Scarborough Reef on August 19.
The same aircraft was reportedly targeted again three days later by flares from Chinese-controlled Subi Reef while monitoring fishermen in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone and territorial waters.
Flares are typically used to divert infrared-guided missiles or to illuminate areas from ships or aircraft.
In response, China announced on Friday that it had implemented "countermeasures" against Philippine military aircraft that it claims entered its airspace over the South China Sea.
The Chinese foreign ministry reaffirmed its commitment to "resolutely safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests," and opposed any actions it deems infringing on its claims.
Beijing asserts sovereignty over nearly the entire South China Sea, including areas contested by neighboring countries, and has dismissed a 2016 international court ruling against its claims.
H.H
resource : Saba
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