Manila files diplomatic protest after Chinese jets fire flares near patrol plane

The Philippine Navy condemned recent actions by Chinese fighter jets over the disputed Scarborough Shoal as “coercive, aggressive and deceptive.” During an incident on Aug. 8 , Chinese aircraft reportedly dropped flares dangerously close to a Philippine Air Force patrol plane, escalating tensions over the strategic South China Sea territory, which both nations claim.

Philippine Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad described the maneuver as inappropriate and risky under international law, raising the potential for serious incidents. The Scarborough Shoal, crucial for fishing and shelter during storms, lies within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone but has been under Chinese control for over a decade.

Responding to the flare incident, the Philippine government lodged a diplomatic protest, emphasizing the reckless nature of the action that could have resulted in a tragic outcome. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., Philippine military chief, highlighted the significant risk posed to their aircraft if the flares had made contact.

China’s Southern Theater Command retorted that the Philippine aircraft had unlawfully entered airspace over Huangyan Island — known in the Philippines as Scarborough Shoal — disrupting Chinese military drills. The command defended its response as professional and lawful, aimed at safeguarding China's national security.

Despite this, Philippine officials, including President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. , have called for an end to China’s provocative actions, stressing the need to maintain regional peace and safeguard both military and civilian personnel.

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