Philippines files diplomatic protest over dangerous Chinese air force maneuvers near Scarborough Shoal

The Philippines has filed a diplomatic protest against China following dangerous maneuvers by Chinese air force planes near Scarborough Shoal on August 8.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo condemned the incident during a House briefing on Tuesday, emphasizing that two People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) aircraft performed close proximity maneuvers and dropped flares in the path of a Philippine Air Force NC-212i aircraft during routine maritime patrols.

The DFA is open to discussing the incident with China but stressed that the actions were unjustified, illegal, and reckless, urging Beijing to adopt a de-escalatory approach through diplomacy.

From August 6 to 12, the Philippine Navy reported an increase in Chinese naval presence near Scarborough Shoal, observing nine PLAN ships, 13 CCG vessels, and two research ships compared to lower numbers in the previous week.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also condemned the actions of the PLAAF aircraft, describing them as 'unjustified, illegal and reckless,' emphasizing that the PAF was undertaking a routine maritime security operation within Philippine sovereign airspace.