Chinese military expels Philippine aircraft from Nansha airspace

On February 20, two C-208 aircraft and one N-22 aircraft from the Philippine Air Force violated Chinese airspace near the Nansha Qundao islands and reefs, triggering a swift response from the Chinese military.

"The Chinese PLA Southern Theater Command monitored the whole process, warned and expelled them," Spokesperson for the Chinese PLA Southern Theater Command (STC), Senior Colonel Tian Junli said, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The spokesperson criticised the Philippines for repeatedly misrepresenting China’s actions, stating that the country had falsely sensationalised China's legitimate measures to protect its territorial rights.

The statement also referred to a prior incident on February 18, when a Philippine C-208 aircraft unlawfully entered China’s Huangyan Dao airspace, recklessly descending 920 meters in just 218 seconds. The aircraft crossed dangerously close to the flight path of China’s patrol helicopter, creating significant risks of accidents both at sea and in the air.

“The Philippine side even made false accusations against China by calling China’s actions 'dangerous,'" Tian Junli remarked. 

He added that the Philippines had provoked the issue and distorted the facts, attempting to push its unlawful claims.

“We solemnly warn the Philippine side that such clumsy tactics are doomed to fail. The troops of the Chinese PLA Southern Theater Command will remain on high alert to resolutely defend China’s national sovereignty and security, as well as peace and stability in the South China Sea,” the spokesperson concluded.

China and the Philippines have a complex relationship, primarily centered around territorial disputes in the South China Sea. The two nations claim overlapping areas of this vital maritime region, particularly the Spratly Islands, known as Nansha Qundao in China. These islands are believed to hold significant natural resources and are strategically important for international shipping routes.

Despite the ongoing disputes, the Philippines and China have attempted to engage in diplomatic dialogues to manage tensions and explore opportunities for cooperation, especially in areas like trade, infrastructure development, and regional stability. 

By Naila Huseynova