China PLA Air Force drops flares into path of Filipino aircraft anew

A China PLA Air Force allegedly dropped flares into the path of a Filipino aircraft flying above disputed territory in South China Sea three times this month.

Footage shows the People's Liberation Army Air Force fighter jet deploying flares while a Filipino Bureau of Fisheries Cessna 208B Grand Caravan patrolled behind on August 19.

Philippines authorities later identified the jet's tail number as 63270.

A statement said: ‘The Chinese fighter jet was in no way provoked, yet its actions demonstrated hazardous intent that jeopardized the safety of the personnel onboard the BFAR aircraft.

‘We firmly reiterate our call on the government of the People's Republic of China to immediately cease all provocative and dangerous actions that threaten the safety of Philippine vessels and aircraft engaged in legitimate and regular activities within Philippine territory and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the right of all vessels and aircraft exercising freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea.'

On August 8, a Chinese aircraft allegedly launched flares along the path of a Philippine Air Force plane doing a routine maritime patrol over Scarborough Shoal.

While for the third time on August 22, China allegedly launched flares from its military base on Zamora Reef onto Philippine Coast Guard ships patrolling against poachers.

Expansionist China currently lays claim over almost the entire South China Sea, one of the world's busiest sea lanes. But a United Nations-backed tribunal in 2016 deemed its claims groundless.

The Communist rogue state - accused of genocide for its crimes against the Uyghur population - has been steadily increasing its influence in recent years through investment in developing countries.