On Friday, Dec. 12, the Chinese military urged the Philippines to halt the “provocative” flights over Huangyan Dao, a hotly contested island in the South China Sea ⚠️🌊.
Tian Junli, spokesperson for the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Southern Theater Command, said multiple Philippine light aircraft secretly entered the airspace without Beijing’s approval. In response, naval and air forces tracked, monitored, warned, and “resolutely expelled” the intruders, he added.
Back in June 2025, the China coast guard carried out patrols around Huangyan Dao, signaling Beijing’s watchful stance. Each move adds intensity to a complex maritime chess match.
China reiterated that Huangyan Dao is its inherent territory and vowed to keep troops on high alert to protect sovereignty, security, and regional stability. It’s the latest twist in a long-running saga over strategic islands claimed by several countries.
For the Philippines, which also claims parts of the South China Sea, regular patrols and flights are viewed as asserting its rights. No side seems ready to back down just yet, so tensions remain high over this vital waterway.
Stay tuned as this high-stakes standoff continues to unfold—like a real-life strategy game where the stakes are global trade routes and regional balance of power 🎮🚢.
Reference(s):
China urges Philippines to stop provocation in South China Sea
cgtn.com
