Manila: The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has reported multiple flare discharges by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) against an unarmed PCG aircraft conducting a Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) flight over the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) on September 7. The incident underscores increasing tensions in the contested region.
According to Philippines News Agency, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela, disclosed that the aircraft was challenged over the radio by Chinese forces illegally occupying Zamora (Subi) Reef before it proceeded to land on Pag-asa Island. The Chinese forces subsequently fired flares in the direction of the aircraft, a move that was repeated by those illegally occupying Panganiban (Mischief) Reef.
In both instances, the PCG aircrew communicated over the radio, emphasizing that the presence of Chinese forces on these illegally reclaimed features violates international law. They also stated that the MDA flight is a routine and legitimate operation. During the flight, the aircrew observed a significant number of Chinese Maritime Militia vessels sheltered inside the lagoons of both features. Notably, no personnel were visible on the decks of these vessels or on the reclaimed facilities, and no vehicular movement was detected on the illegally reclaimed artificial islands.
Rear Admiral Tarriela affirmed, "The PCG will continue to conduct MDA flights over the West Philippine Sea undeterred, and will continue to document and expose China's aggression and violations of international law, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s commitment that the country will never yield."
PCG Commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, remarked on the PLA's actions, stating, "Flares were fired at an unarmed Coast Guard aircraft. The PCG does not need to characterize this behavior." He further noted that the 2016 Arbitral Award clearly defines Panganiban Reef as a low-tide elevation within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, and that China's reclamation activities there infringe upon Philippine sovereign rights. Gavan also highlighted that discharging flares at an aircraft in flight endangers its safety and disregards the duty of due regard China owes under the Convention on International Civil Aviation.
