Manila Bulletin
US, Japan rally behind PH after China flares vs BFAR patrol plane
A Chinese fighter jet deployed flares multiple times near a Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) patrol plane over the West Philippine Sea on August 19 and 22.
The National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) reported the Chinese jet executed hazardous actions at a dangerously close distance.
US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson condemned the PRC for launching flares at a Philippine aircraft operating legally near Scarborough and Subi Reefs on August 19 and 22, stating the US stands firmly with the Philippines in condemning these provocative and dangerous actions.
Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya also opposed China's dangerous actions, stating they increase tensions and undermine the safety of Philippine activities.
He urged China to uphold a rules-based order and peaceful settlement of disputes based on international law.
Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada condemned China's actions as irresponsible and dangerously provocative, violating international law and threatening Philippine personnel.
The NTF-WPS reiterated its call for China to cease provocative actions that undermine regional peace and security.
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A Philippine aircraft on maritime patrol encountered flares fired from a China-occupied feature in the West Philippine Sea at least three times.
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General Romeo Brawner Jr., chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), confirmed that the AFP tested its flares during a patrol in the West Philippine Sea last Friday.
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National Security Adviser Eduardo Año asserted the Philippines' "unassailable rights" in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) during a phone call with US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan.
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Two Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessels, BRP Bagacay and BRP Cape Engaño, were involved in collisions with Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessels due to aggressive maneuvers by the CCG near Sabina Shoal.
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The Philippines, through the National Maritime Council (NMC), has expressed doubts about China's commitment to de-escalating tensions in the West Philippine Sea after a recent ramming and water cannon incident near Escoda Shoal.
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