Manila, Philippines – The People’s Liberation Army Navy of China fired flares while a Philippine Coast Guard aircraft was conducting a Maritime Domain Awareness flight over the Kalayaan Island Group, within the West Philippine Sea.
The PCG aircraft captured video footage of the Chinese military releasing the flares during the incident on September 7.
The PCG aircraft reportedly received a radio challenge from Chinese forces occupying Zamora Reef (Subi Reef) before landing on Pag-asa Island.
The PCG crew experienced a similar situation at Panganiban Reef (Mischief Reef); however, they responded via radio, stating that China’s claim over the reef violates international law and asserting that the Maritime Domain Awareness flight was part of routine, legitimate operations within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
China has not yet issued a statement regarding this specific incident; however, in response to remarks made by Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. at an international forum, Beijing maintained that Teodoro’s interpretation of a Chinese diplomatic note amounted to grandstanding and lying.
Beijing also urged Manila to cease its alleged dishonesty and to value China-Philippines relations, as well as the maintenance of peace and stability in the South China Sea.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) expressed support for Teodoro’s statement against China regarding Beijing’s continued rejection of the 2016 South China Sea Arbitration Award.
According to Dr. Jose Antonio Goitia, Chairman Emeritus of the “Filipinos Do Not Yield Movement,” Teodoro’s actions were correct in the face of China’s bullying.
Goitia stated that this serves as proof that the Philippines will not yield to China’s bullying, as China cannot dictate the country’s sovereignty. It has been ten years since the 2016 Arbitral Award, yet China continues not to recognize it.—Alvin Pelobello, Eurotv News