Metro Manila, Philippines– The Philippine government has filed a diplomatic protest against what it called “dangerous actions” committed by the Chinese air force against a Philippine aircraft over Scarborough Shoal (Bajo De Masinloc).
Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said the National Maritime Council will meet this week to address the latest airspace incident and discuss appropriate actions.
The Chinese jets fired flares on the path of the Philippine air force aircraft on a routine patrol on Aug. 8.
“Definitely, we will protest this latest move. It came at a time when tensions had slightly calmed down, and then this suddenly happened. The President has come out very strongly on this, and we will maintain that position,” said Manalo.
He said China’s latest aggressive behavior was surprising considering both countries had agreed to de-escalate tensions.
“We’ve reached an understanding, and then this happens. Naturally, it’s something we have to consider. I don’t know why they did it; they took us by surprise,” said Manalo.
Manila and Beijing recently signed a new agreement titled the Arrangement on Improving Philippines-China Maritime Communication Mechanisms.
This agreement will establish multiple channels for communication between both sides, namely:
+ Through representatives designated by their leaders;
+ Through counterparts in the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including foreign minister and vice foreign minister levels, or their designated representatives; and
+ Through coast guard channels, which will be set up upon the conclusion of the corresponding memorandum of agreement.
“The DFA is in discussions with the Chinese side on the guidelines that will govern the implementation of this arrangement,” the agreement stated.
Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Teresita Daza echoed Manalo’s statement about filing another protest regarding the airspace incident.
“I was informed a diplomatic protest will be sent within the day,” said Daza.
However, Daza clarified that the incident is not covered by the provisional understanding regarding RORE (rotation and resupply) missions in Ayungin Shoal.
“Please note that the provisional understanding applies only to RORE missions in Ayungin Shoal. However, the Philippines adopts a de-escalatory approach to tensions in the WPS. It remains committed to diplomacy and peaceful means of resolving disputes,” said Daza.
Marcos worries about airspace ‘instability’
President Bongbong Marcos strongly condemned the air incident, calling the actions of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) “unjustified, illegal, and reckless.”
He expressed concern that the encounter between the two air forces could lead to “instability” in the airspace.
“We have hardly started to calm the waters, and it is already worrying that there could be instability in our airspace,” said the president.
China has justified its actions on Aug. 8, maintaining that it was the Philippines that intruded into its territory.
“The on-site operation was professional, standardized, legitimate, and legal. We urge the Philippines to immediately stop its infringement, provocation, distortion, and hype,” the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Southern Theater Command said in a statement.
Department of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Teresita Daza confirmed that the protest was filed on Monday, Aug. 12.
Daza did not disclose details on how the protest was conveyed and who received it.
