PH concerned over Chinese aircraft’s unsafe acts vs Australian aircraft in South China Sea

The Philippines has expressed concern over the alleged unsafe maneuvers and releasing of flares by a Chinese aircraft against an Australian Air Force aircraft while flying over South China Sea.

In a statement on Friday, Feb. 14, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reminded China to avoid interference in legitimate maritime activities.

The Australian Air Force aircraft was conducting a maritime patrol in the South China Sea when the incident occurred.

“The Philippine Government is concerned over the unsafe maneuvers and deployment of flares at close proximity conducted by a Chinese People’s Liberation Army – Air Force (PLA-AF) aircraft against an Australian Air Force aircraft during a recent maritime patrol in the South China Sea,” the DFA said.

It further said that all countries are expected to respect the freedom of navigation and overflight within international sea lines of communication.

“All countries are expected to respect freedom of navigation and overflight in and above international sea lines of communication, such as the South China Sea, and to avoid interference in legitimate activities conducted in international waters and airspace,” the DFA stated.

Australia’s defence ministry called China’s move as “unsafe and unprofessional interaction,” while China said the Australian aircraft “intentionally intruded” into its airspace.