The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command took decisive action on Thursday by expelling three Philippine aircraft that entered the airspace near Nansha Qundao in the South China Sea. According to Tian Junli, a spokesperson for the command, two C-208 aircraft and one N-22 aircraft were tracked and warned off after their unauthorized entry.
Tian criticized the recent maneuvers by Philippine authorities, accusing Manila of distorting China's legitimate maritime rights and engaging in smear campaigns. He highlighted a separate incident from February 18, where a Philippine aircraft unlawfully entered Chinese airspace over Huangyan Dao. The aircraft's erratic altitude changes and close proximity to a Chinese patrol helicopter were deemed "unprofessional and dangerous."
The spokesperson further condemned the Philippines for labeling China's actions as "dangerous," asserting that Manila is attempting to bolster its unlawful claims through fact distortion. Tian emphasized that such tactics are ineffective and reiterated that Chinese forces remain vigilant to defend national sovereignty and ensure peace and stability in the South China Sea.
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PLA expels Philippine aircraft from China's Nansha Qundao airspace
cgtn.com
