China Fired Flares Toward Philippine Plane in South China Sea, Manila Says

Manila denounced Beijing’s maneuvers as ‘a clear and deliberate act of bullying.’

An airfield, buildings, and structures are seen on the artificial island built by China in Mischief Reef Spratly Islands, in the South China Sea on Oct. 25, 2022. Ezra Acayan/Getty Images

Chinese forces fired flares directly toward a Philippine plane undertaking a routine patrol on April 6 in the disputed South China Sea, according to the Philippine Coast Guard.

The incident occurred when a Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft of the Philippine Coast Guard was peacefully operating over Mischief Reef and Subi Reef, Rear Adm. Jay Tarriela, spokesperson for the Philippine Coast Guard, said on X on April 9.