Tensions rise as the Philippines and China hurl accusations at each other concerning the South China Sea.

The Philippines and China traded accusations on Saturday after a confrontation between their aircraft over a disputed area in the South China Sea. The Philippine military condemned "dangerous and provocative actions" by the Chinese air force, while the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) asserted that it acted professionally and legally.

On Thursday, two Chinese aircraft reportedly executed a hazardous maneuver and dropped flares near a Philippine air force plane conducting a routine patrol over Scarborough Shoal. Philippine armed forces chief Romeo Brawner claimed these actions endangered their personnel and violated international aviation laws. In contrast, the PLA stated that the Philippine aircraft "illegally intruded" into Chinese airspace, disrupting training activities.

This incident marks the first complaint by the Philippines about Chinese aircraft since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. took office in 2022, highlighting ongoing tensions in the region.