China deploys flares near PH planes, ships in disputed waters

China launched flares towards a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) aircraft conducting maritime domain awareness flights over Pag-asa Island earlier this week.

On August 19, a People's Liberation Army Air Force fighter jet executed dangerous maneuvers and deployed flares from approximately 15 meters away during a patrol near Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal).

China also launched flares from its military base on Zamora Reef on August 22 while the Philippine Coast Guard was conducting patrols against poachers in the Kalayaan Island Group.

The Philippines has called for an end to these provocative and dangerous actions, maintaining that its activities within its territory and exclusive economic zone are legitimate under international law.

On Saturday, the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) confirmed that China unjustifiably deployed flares from Zamora Reef while a BFAR Cessna 208B Grand Caravan was conducting patrols to monitor poachers within the country's EEZ and territorial seas of the Kalayaan Island Group features.

The Philippines reiterated its call for China to cease all provocative actions that threaten Philippine vessels and aircraft engaged in legitimate activities within its territory, asserting these actions undermine regional peace and security.