(Manila, 7th) The Philippine Coast Guard stated last Saturday (6th) that an aircraft from the Fisheries Department, during a routine patrol over the South China Sea's Subi Reef, was met with three signal flares fired by the Chinese Coast Guard. However, the patrol was ultimately not obstructed and was able to be carried out successfully. The Chinese side has yet to comment.
The Philippines said it had filmed the Chinese side firing signal flares at the patrol aircraft, emphasizing that the patrol was legal and aimed at monitoring the marine environment, assessing fishery resources, and ensuring the safety and well-being of Filipino fishermen in the South China Sea. The Philippine side said that during the incident, two Chinese Coast Guard ships, 29 suspected militia vessels, and one medical ship were spotted near Subi Reef. The statement did not mention how far apart the two sides were at the time.
The Philippines also stated that the patrol aircraft flew near six other South China Sea reefs and islands with disputed sovereignty, including vigilance over a Chinese naval vessel at Sabina Shoal, during which the Chinese side issued multiple provocative radio messages.
The Philippines also stated that the patrol aircraft flew near six other South China Sea reefs and islands with disputed sovereignty, including vigilance over a Chinese naval vessel at Sabina Shoal, during which the Chinese side issued multiple provocative radio messages.