The aerial view of China's Huangyan Dao Photo: Courtesy of South China Institute of Environmental Sciences under China Ministry of Ecology and Environment

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command on February 21st revealed two illegal intrusions by Philippine aircraft on February 18th and 20th in the South China Sea, warning that the Philippines' clumsy attempt to promote illegitimate claims by reversing the facts is doomed to fail.

On 20th of February, the Philippine's two C-208 aircrafts and a N-22 aircraft illegally intruded into the airspace of China's Nansha Qundao, and the PLA Southern Theater Command tracked, monitored, warned and expelled them, said Tian Junli, a spokesperson of the PLA Southern Theater Command, in a statement on February 21st.

Tian said that recently, the Philippines ignored the facts and has repeatedly stigmatized, hyped and smeared China's legitimate and lawful acts of defending its rights.

On February 18th, a Philippine C-208 aircraft illegally intruded into the airspace of China's Huangyan Dao, repeatedly altering its flight altitude. It descended by 920 meters in 218 seconds, in an unprofessional and dangerous manner, deliberately passing close to the altitude of China's regularly patrolling helicopter, which could easily trigger an unforeseen maritime or aerial incident, said Tian. However, the Philippines falsely accused China of engaging in 'dangerous' actions," he added.

Tian said the Philippine side is trying to advance its illegitimate claims by provoking incidents and distorting facts, but such tactics are futile. "PLA forces in the region remain on high alert and are committed to safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and regional stability in the South China Sea," Tian said.

（Source: Global Times)