China Expels Philippine Aircraft Over Disputed Spratly Islands

Tensions escalate in the South China Sea as China claims Philippine planes violated its airspace, while Manila asserts its sovereignty over contested waters.

• China's military reported intercepting and expelling three Philippine aircraft—a Nomad N-22 and two Cessna 208s—near the Spratly Islands on February 20, alleging unauthorized entry into its airspace.
• The Philippines conducted the flights as part of a maritime domain awareness mission over what it calls the Kalayaan Islands, asserting its sovereignty and jurisdiction in the region.
• The incident follows a separate confrontation earlier this week, where a Chinese military helicopter flew dangerously close to a Philippine patrol plane near Scarborough Shoal, prompting condemnation from Manila and the U.S.
• China continues to reject the 2016 international arbitration ruling that invalidated its sweeping claims over the South China Sea, maintaining control over several disputed territories, including Scarborough Shoal.
• The Philippines is reportedly preparing a new legal case against China over alleged environmental damage in its exclusive economic zone, adding to the ongoing maritime disputes.

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