Newsdesk Thanks MIL-CHINA-PHILIPPINE-AIRCRAFT Beijing expels three Philippine aircraft from airspace BEIJING, Feb 21 (KUNA) -- China's military expelled three Philippine aircraft that "illegally entered" the airspace near China's Nansha Qundao in the South China Sea on Thursday, according to a military spokesperson.
The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command tracked and warned off two C-208 aircraft and one N-22 aircraft of the Philippines found in the airspace near China's Nansha Qundao, according to Tian Junli, a spokesperson for the command was quoted by CCTV as saying.
Tian criticized recent Philippine actions, accusing Manila of repeatedly distorting "China's legitimate and lawful maritime rights, and of engaging in smear campaigns".
"Such clumsy tactics are destined to fail," Tian warned, adding that Chinese forces remain on high alert to defend national sovereignty and maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea. (end) slq.mt