New South China Sea clashes erupt as Beijing pushes for better Philippine ties
Incidents near the disputed Scarborough and Sabina shoals threaten to undermine recent efforts to put relations on a ‘healthier’ footing
China and the Philippines have been involved in further stand-offs in the South China Sea, potentially undercutting efforts to put their relationship back on an even keel.
“Recently, multiple small aircraft from the Philippines intruded into the airspace of China’s Huangyan Island without authorisation from the Chinese government,” the Southern Theatre Command of the People’s Liberation Army said.
“[The PLA] organised naval and air forces to track and monitor the aircraft in accordance with laws and regulations, issued strong warnings to them, and resolutely drove them away,” it said, warning Manila to stop infringements and provocations.