Philippines Urges China to Halt Provocative Actions in South China Sea

The Philippines has urged Beijing to stop its 'provocative and dangerous actions' in the South China Sea after incidents involving Chinese flares and a jet fighter threatened regional peace. These events come amid ongoing maritime disputes and calls for restoring trust between the nations.

The Philippines called on Beijing Saturday to 'immediately cease all provocative and dangerous actions' after accusing it of deploying flares from China-occupied Subi Reef on Aug. 22 while a Manila aircraft was patrolling.

The aircraft also faced harassment from a Chinese jet fighter during a surveillance flight near Scarborough Shoal on Aug. 19, according to the Philippines' South China Sea Task Force. The task force stated that such actions undermine regional peace and harm China's international reputation.

There was no comment from the Chinese Embassy in Manila regarding these incidents. This occurred in a week marked by mutual accusations of vessel ramming and dangerous maneuvers by both nations. The incidents also came less than two weeks after a similar air confrontation.

The United States condemned China's actions, with U.S. Ambassador to Manila MaryKay Carlson urging Beijing to stop undermining a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The Philippine aircraft was tasked with intercepting poachers in the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Chinese jet fighters deployed multiple flares at dangerously close distances to the Philippine aircraft, exhibiting hazardous intent that jeopardized the safety of the onboard personnel.

China's claims of sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea are contested by several countries and were deemed baseless by an international tribunal in 2016. The situation is exacerbated by China's construction of artificial islands outfitted with military installations.

The Philippines reiterated its call for China to cease threatening actions against its vessels and aircraft operating within the country's EEZ.

(With inputs from agencies.)