Chinese forces fire flares at unarmed Philippine Coast Guard plane over disputed reefs
The Philippine Coast Guard reported that Chinese forces launched multiple flares at an unarmed PCG aircraft during a routine surveillance flight over the Kalayaan Island Group.
A Philippine Coast Guard aircraft conducting a routine maritime domain awareness flight over the Kalayaan Island Group was intercepted by Chinese forces occupying Zamora (Subi) Reef, which radioed the plane before discharging several flares in its direction. The same hostile action was repeated by Chinese forces on Panganiban (Mischief) Reef. After the flare incidents, the PCG aircraft safely landed on Pag-asa Island.
Chinese maritime militia vessels were seen inside the lagoons of both reefs, though no crew or vehicle movement was detected on the artificial islands. PCG chief Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan condemned the flare discharge as a safety hazard and a breach of international aviation obligations. The Coast Guard affirmed it will continue its surveillance flights and document further violations.
