Rappler
View from Manila: Tensions again, this time over Scarborough Shoal
China's air force engaged in "dangerous maneuvers" near Scarborough Shoal on August 8, disrupting a Philippine Air Force (PAF) maritime patrol.
A Chinese Air Force aircraft dropped flares in the path of a PAF NC-212i aircraft during the incident.
The Philippines hosted joint exercises with Australia, Canada, and the United States in the West Philippine Sea on the same day.
China's Southern Theater Command also announced drills close to Scarborough Shoal, which they call Huangyan Island.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo expressed surprise at the actions, stating that such events tend to increase tensions.
The Philippines waited two days to make the incident public, demonstrating a restrained approach to transparency.
No one was reported hurt during the encounter, and the PAF crew returned safely to Clark Air Base.
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President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. strongly condemned the recent dangerous acts of China's air force at Scarborough Shoal.
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The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has lodged a diplomatic protest against China after Chinese air force aircraft performed dangerous maneuvers and dropped flares near a Philippine Air Force (PAF) aircraft on August 8.
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The Philippine Navy is closely monitoring a large China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel, identified as bow number 5901 and dubbed a "monster ship," which has been present at Sabina Shoal since July 30.
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China justified its action of deploying flares over a Philippine Air Force plane near Scarborough Shoal, claiming the aircraft intruded into its airspace and violated international law.
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China conducted a joint air and sea combat patrol near the disputed Scarborough Shoal on Wednesday to test its strike capabilities.
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