PLA forces expel Philippine aircraft from Huangyan Island airspace

The Chinese People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command monitored and warned off a Philippine aircraft after it intruded into the airspace over China's Huangyan Island without approval from the Chinese government, a military spokesperson said on Monday.

Senior Captain Zhai Shichen, spokesperson for the PLA Southern Theater Command, said a Philippine C-208 aircraft illegally entered the airspace over Huangyan Island on Oct 3.

The command dispatched naval and air forces to track and monitor the aircraft and issued warnings to expel it in accordance with laws and regulations, Zhai said.

Huangyan Island is China's inherent territory. The Philippine side's actions seriously violated China's sovereignty and were highly likely to cause unintended maritime and air incidents, he said.

"We sternly warn the Philippine side to immediately stop its acts of infringement and provocation," he said.

The command's forces remain on high alert at all times to firmly safeguard national sovereignty and security, as well as regional peace and stability, Zhai added.