Beijing claims Manila sent up spy drone as coastguards clashed in South China Sea
- Early morning encounters at Sabina Shoal and Second Thomas Shoal spark accusations and counterclaims from both sides
“We solemnly warn the Philippine side to immediately cease its infringement and provocation, or else the [Philippines] will bear all the consequences,” spokesman Gan Yu said.
China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) also claimed the Philippines flew a spy drone in the waters near Sabina Shoal.
A 15-second video clip posted on the PLA’s Weibo account on Monday showed a person on a Philippine Coast Guard vessel operating a drone that the PLA said was to “carry out photographic reconnaissance against the Chinese side”.
The footage is understood to have been filmed by the China Coast Guard on Monday morning.
02:40
Beijing, Manila trade ‘ramming’ claims in latest South China Sea coastguard incident
Meanwhile, the Philippines accused the Chinese coastguard of “dangerous and illegal manoeuvres” that led to “collisions, causing structural damage”, including a counterclaim of ramming at Second Thomas Shoal later that morning.