A routine Philippine surveillance flight over the West Philippine Sea on December 6 turned dangerous after Chinese forces fired flares toward a Filipino aircraft near Subi Reef in the Spratly Islands. The incident is the latest sign of China’s growing aggression in disputed waters.
Despite the threat, the pilot stayed on course and safely completed the mission, according to the Philippine Coast Guard. No damage was reported, but the encounter has raised fresh alarm in Manila and across the region.
Chinese Flares Fired Near Subi Reef
The aircraft involved was a Cessna Grand Caravan operated by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. It was flying a joint patrol mission to monitor waters and protect Filipino fishermen when three flares were launched from Subi Reef, which is currently occupied by China.
The flare launch was captured on video, though officials could not confirm how close the projectiles came to the plane. China has not issued any
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