China Fires Flares at Philippine Patrol Plane in South China Sea

On Saturday, Chinese forces fired three flares from Subi Reef toward a Philippine patrol plane that was on a routine mission in the South China Sea.

The plane, a Cessna Grand Caravan from the Philippine fisheries bureau, continued its surveillance despite the incident.

The Philippine coast guard said the flares were a warning for the plane to leave what China considers its airspace.

The plane also spotted several Chinese ships, including a hospital ship and suspected militia vessels.

The Philippines calls this area the West Philippine Sea and regularly patrols it to monitor the marine environment and protect Filipino fishermen.

The United States has said it will defend the Philippines if it comes under attack in the region.

Meanwhile, Chinese fighter jets directed their fire-control radar at Japanese aircraft over international waters near Japan’s Okinawan islands in two separate incidents, which Japan's defense minister described as 'dangerous acts.'