Estrada scores China's dropping of flares in Scarborough Shoal
Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada on Sunday, August 11 renewed his call for the Chinese government to immediately stop its aggression against the Philippines.
Estrada made the appeal after the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) accused China’s air force of “dangerous and provocative actions” against one of the Philippine military planes patrolling the Scarborough Shoal.
“The People’s Liberation Army Air Force's reckless and provocative actions against our Philippine Air Force aircraft conducting lawful maritime patrols over Scarborough Shoal are unacceptable,” Estrada said in a statement.
“They must be met with firm and decisive condemnation from the international community,” he added.
“We urge the Chinese government to immediately stop this clear act of aggression and adhere to international law. This recent incident is a blatant violation of international aviation safety standards and the rights of all nations to carry out lawful maritime operations,” the senator further said.
Estrada said the dropping of flares in the path of the Philippine Air Force’s NC-212i is an affront to the country’s sovereignty.
Moreover, he said the Philippines has always advocated for peaceful and diplomatic solutions to territorial disputes with China and this incident undermines the efforts in de-escalating unnecessary tensions.
“We will not be intimidated. We will continue to defend our sovereignty with resolve and determination while remaining committed to upholding the rule of law and promoting peace in the region,” the lawmaker stressed.
On Saturday, AFP said two of China’s air force aircraft “executed a dangerous maneuver and dropped flares in the path of its NC-212i.”
According to the AFP, China’s action had endangered the lives of its personnel undertaking maritime security operations.