Philippines to file protest with China over South China Sea air incident

Manila’s Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo announced on Monday ( Aug 12 ) that the Philippines will protest with China over a recent incident involving Air Force planes flying over a shoal in the South China Sea.

Despite the “dangerous and controversial” deeds of China’s Air Force last year, military commander Romeo Brawner told investigators that the Southeast Asian nation would continue conducting sea guards in the South China Sea.

The Philippines ‘ military complained about two Chinese aircraft’s dangerous maneuvers that on August 8 dropped lights in the course of a Philippine Air Force plane while conducting a regular guard over the Scarborough Shoal.

Gilberto Teodoro, the defense minister, expressed his hope that China would follow international rules and that tensions must be slowed down.

On Sunday, Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos said China’s steps were “unjustified, outlawed and irresponsible”.

China’s military in Manila did not respond to a request for comment right away. Foreign People’s Liberation Army Southern Theater Command reported on Saturday that despite repeated warnings, Spanish plane had illegally entered.