PLA warns off Philippine planes over Huangyan

The People's Liberation Army mobilized its air and naval forces to monitor and warn off three Philippine planes that illegally flew into China's territorial airspace over the South China Sea on Friday.

Senior Colonel Li Jianjian, spokesman for the PLA Southern Theater Command's Air Force, said in a statement that three small Philippine aircraft — an Islander, a C-208 and a PA-31T — had illegally intruded into China's territorial airspace over Huangyan Island without approval from the Chinese government.

The PLA Southern Theater Command deployed naval and air force personnel to track and monitor the aircraft, and issued radio warnings in accordance with laws and regulations, Li said. He added that the Philippine side's actions have seriously violated China's sovereignty and could easily lead to misunderstandings and miscalculations.

"We demand that the Philippine side immediately stop its infringing and provocative acts. My command's forces always maintain a high state of alert at all times and will resolutely defend our national sovereignty and security as well as regional peace and stability," the spokesman said.

According to public information, all three types of aircraft used by the Philippines are known to be in service with the Philippine military and coast guard for maritime patrol and surveillance missions.