Skies over South China Sea seen as new flashpoint as Manila begins ‘aerial provocations’

China will be ‘forced to take corresponding measures’ if ‘intrusions’ continue, South China Sea Strategic Situation Probing Initiative says

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The Philippines has accused Beijing of carrying out dangerous aerial manoeuvres over the South China Sea, such as releasing flares in the flight path of a Philippine patrol aircraft. Photo: AFP/ Philippine Coast Guard

Published: 10:00am, 4 Sep 2024Updated: 11:08am, 4 Sep 2024

The skies above the South China Sea have become a new front for potential conflict as the Philippines ramps up air patrols and airdrops near reefs also claimed by China, a Chinese think tank has warned.

The South China Sea Strategic Situation Probing Initiative (SCSPI) also urged heightened vigilance in response to the “aerial provocations”, as it issued the note of caution on social media.

“As China strengthens its maritime control, the Philippines has exhausted its tactics and means of maritime infringement. Air incursions are becoming another major front for the Philippines to stir up trouble in the South China Sea,” the Beijing-based think tank said in an article posted on its WeChat account on Monday.

The risks and unpredictability associated with aerial encounters, especially those of a confrontational nature, significantly exceeded encounters at sea, it said.

“Should the Philippines continue its air intrusions, China will be forced to take corresponding measures. Friction or even collisions in the air could have consequences more severe than ship collisions.”