Philippines calls Chinese actions over shoal 'coercive, aggressive, deceptive'

13/8/2024 12:15

        The Philippine Navy said on Tuesday last week's actions by the Chinese air force over the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea were "coercive, aggressive and deceptive".
        
        The Philippines has been incensed by what it saw as a dangerous manoueuvre by two Chinese aircraft, which it said dropped flares in the path of its military aircraft while conducting a routine patrol over the contested shoal on Thursday.
        
        The actions had no place in the international arena, which is governed by international law, Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad told a briefing, adding China's conduct raised the risk of untoward incidents.
        
        China, which also claims sovereignty over the shoal, has disputed that saying it acted in a professional and legal manner.