Philippines Conducts Surveillance Flyby Over Chinese Military Base in South China Sea
The Philippines has released footage of a patrol aircraft flying past a militarized Chinese artificial island in the Spratly Islands, claiming that Chinese forces fired flares at the plane. This incident is part of ongoing tensions in the South China Sea, where China asserts sovereignty over more than 80% of the area, a claim contested by several countries including the Philippines. The patrol was conducted by the Philippine fisheries bureau and coast guard to protect its maritime jurisdiction. The aircraft captured activity at Subi Reef, a site militarized by China within the Philippine exclusive economic zone. The Philippines has been strengthening military cooperation with the U.S. and other regional partners, a move criticized by Beijing. 
