This week marked a significant escalation in tensions between the Philippines and China over the South China Sea, particularly concerning the Spratly Islands. China's military claimed to have driven away three Philippine aircraft, which they labeled as provocatively encroaching on China's declared airspace. This incident follows another aerial confrontation earlier in the week involving a close encounter between a Chinese military helicopter and a Philippine patrol plane. The ongoing discord centers around territorial claims, with the Philippines asserting rights over parts of the Spratly Islands and Scarborough Shoal, while China continues to challenge these claims aggressively.
The Chinese military reported driving away three Philippine aircraft over the Spratly Islands, marking escalating tensions in the disputed South China Sea.
Air Force Colonel Tian Junli stated that Manila's aircraft acted provocatively and disregarded facts regarding their claims over the disputed Spratly Islands.
The incident follows an earlier close encounter between a Chinese military helicopter and a Philippine patrol plane, indicating increasing aerial confrontations in the region.
Reports indicate that the Scarborough Shoal, despite lying within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, is effectively controlled by Beijing since 2012.
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