The Philippines has accused Chinese military aircraft of engaging in dangerous maneuvers near the Scarborough Shoal, escalating tensions in the region. The Philippine Air Force reported that two Chinese aircraft dropped flares in front of a Philippine patrol plane, endangering the crew. In response, the Chinese Air Force defended its actions as a “professional” and “justified” response to the Philippines’ presence in the area.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. condemned the incident, calling it “unjustified, illegal, and reckless.” The Scarborough Shoal, claimed by China, Taiwan, and the Philippines, is a contentious area in the South China Sea. The Philippine Armed Forces denounced the Chinese military’s actions as dangerous and provocative, posing a threat to Philippine sovereignty and violating international aviation regulations.
The PLA’s Southern Theater Command insisted on China’s sovereignty over the area and accused the Philippine aircraft of intruding into Chinese airspace. The incident occurred amidst joint exercises between the Philippines and Vietnam in the South China Sea, aimed at promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The South China Sea is a strategically important waterway rich in resources, with competing claims from multiple nations.
Despite ongoing disputes, the Philippines remains committed to diplomatic resolutions and peaceful means of resolving conflicts. The incident highlights the ongoing tensions in the region and the need for responsible actions from all parties involved. Please rewrite this sentence.
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