<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2024-08-10/China-expels-Philippine-warplane-after-intrusion-into-Huangyan-Dao-1vXqXdhdJza/img/811c365dd8c84ea1bbf30320d02c7613/811c365dd8c84ea1bbf30320d02c7613.png' alt='Huangyan Dao, China, February 15, 2024. /CFP
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The Southern Theater Command of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) said on Saturday that it organized air and naval forces to expel a Philippine NC-212 military jet that intruded into the airspace of China’s Huangyan Dao and disrupted China’s normal exercises and training activities despite repeated warnings.
The PLA defended its handling of the intrusion, which happened on Thursday, saying its forces conducted identification and verification, tracking and monitoring, warning and expulsion according to the law, and its operation was professional, proper and lawful.
“We urge the Philippine side to immediately stop infringement, provocation, distortion and hyping-up. China has indisputable sovereignty over Huangyan Dao and its adjacent waters,” the Southern Theater Command said, adding it’s on high alert and will resolutely safeguard China’s sovereignty and security, and uphold peace and stability in the South China Sea.
