PH concerned over China’s flaring vs Australian aircraft in South China Sea

Metro Manila, Philippines - The Philippines has expressed concern over China’s flaring against an Australian Air Force aircraft in the South China Sea.

Australia, a Philippine ally, was conducting a maritime patrol in the disputed waters.

In a statement on Friday, Feb. 14, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) called out the Chinese People’s Liberation Army - Air Force’s “unsafe maneuvers.”

“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 said.

Australia also flagged China’s “unsafe and unprofessional” actions.

China argued that Australia’s maritime patrol was a provocation.

In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration invalidated China’s sweeping claims in the South China Sea but it refused to recognize the decision.