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Philippines hits China, says joint air patrol with US to ensure free passage
China's military accused the Philippines of "stirring up trouble" in the South China Sea following a joint air patrol with the United States.
The Chinese Southern Theater Command stated that its naval and air forces monitored the patrol and maintained high vigilance to defend national sovereignty.
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the United States Pacific Air Force (PACAF) conducted a joint air patrol over the West Philippine Sea as part of their 3rd Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA).
Three PAF FA-50 aircraft escorted a PACAF B-52H bomber during the patrol, with the National Security Council (NSC) stating the patrol was a lawful and routine exercise aimed at enhancing interoperability and promoting regional peace and security.
The NSC emphasized that these patrols are held within Philippine territories to enhance maritime security, promote regional stability, uphold international law, deter illegal activities, ensure freedom of navigation, and protect shared interests.
The joint activity aims to strengthen the AFP's capability to perform its mandate and maintain presence within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.
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Three FA-50 light jet fighters of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and a B-52H bomber aircraft of the United States Pacific Air Force (PACAF) held a combined air patrol over the West Philippine Sea on Monday, February 19.
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National Security Adviser Eduardo Año rejected China's accusation that the Philippines is stirring up trouble in the South China Sea through joint air patrols with the United States.
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The Philippine Navy has confirmed that China has been intentionally intercepting the communications signal of Philippine ships in the West Philippine Sea, an activity that has been ongoing for several years.
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The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has refuted China's claim that its coast guard expelled a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel from Scarborough Shoal, stating the claim is inaccurate.
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