August 12, 2024
The Philippines and China are trading accusations over military actions near the Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of the Philippines condemned the actions of the Chinese Air Force, calling them "unreasonable, illegal, and reckless."
On Sunday (August 11), President Marcos urged China to act responsibly, whether at sea or in the air.In a post on the X platform by the Presidential Communications Office, concerns were raised about potential turbulence in the airspace."
Just as we are beginning to calm the situation at sea, it's worrisome that instability might now be spreading to our airspace."This marks the first time since President Marcos took office in 2022 that the Philippines has accused China of engaging in dangerous aerial maneuvers.
On Saturday (August 10), the Philippine military condemned two Chinese aircraft for dropping flares in the path of a routine Philippine patrol flight, calling the actions "dangerous and provocative."However, China’s Southern Theater Command countered by accusing the Philippines of disrupting a training exercise, claiming that Manila had "illegally intruded" into Chinese airspace.
The Chinese Embassy in Manila has yet to respond to these allegations.Analysis: China Displays Its Military MightThe Scarborough Shoal is one of the most contested areas in the South China Sea, frequently sparking disputes over sovereignty and fishing rights.
According to Richard Heydarian, an analyst from the Philippine Institute for Development and Security Studies, China’s actions are a response to the joint military exercises conducted by the Philippines, the U.S., Canada, and Australia in the disputed waters of the South China Sea, aimed at showcasing its military power."If China continues to take increasingly aggressive actions against the Philippine Air Defense and Military Zones, we might witness an escalation into aerial conflict."
The Hague's Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in 2016 that China’s expansive claims over the South China Sea have no basis in international law, but Beijing has refused to acknowledge the ruling.