Philippines condemns China’s ‘reckless’ flare attack, rejects sovereignty claims in West Philippine Sea

Europe-Asia, International

INTERNATIONAL, 9 April 2026 (NPA) — The government of the Philippines has accused China of aggression and deliberate bullying after Chinese forces fired flares directly at a Philippine Coast Guard Caravan aircraft conducting routine Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) flights over the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG).

According to Jay Tarriela, the Philippine Coast Guard Spokesperson on West Philippine Sea concerns, the provocative incidents occurred specifically at Panganiban Reef and Zamora Reef, where Coast Guard aircraft were peacefully monitoring maritime activities to ensure the safety of Philippine waters.

Tarriela stated: “This afternoon, in a clear and deliberate act of bullying, Chinese forces fired flares directly at Philippine Coast Guard Caravan aircraft while we were conducting routine Maritime Domain Awareness flights over the Kalayaan Island Group. The provocative incidents occurred specifically at Panganiban Reef and Zamora Reef, where our aircraft were operating peacefully to monitor maritime activities and ensure the safety of our waters.”

These actions, described by the Philippines as reckless and aggressive, were said to represent yet another escalation in China’s campaign of intimidation and harassment. By targeting unarmed Coast Guard aircraft with flares, Manila accused Beijing of violating international aviation safety norms, undermining regional peace, and endangering the lives of personnel on board.

The statement further noted that Chinese forces issued radio transmissions during the incidents, asserting “indisputable sovereignty” over the areas — claims linked to China’s reclaimed and militarised bases in the West Philippine Sea. The Philippines argued that these assertions have no basis in international law, as affirmed by the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal ruling, and characterised them as part of Beijing’s expansionist agenda and repeated violations of international norms.