Philippines calls Chinese air force actions over Scarborough Shoal ‘coercive, aggressive, deceptive’

MANILA (Reuters) – The Philippine Navy said on Tuesday the Chinese air force’s actions in Scarborough Shoal last week were “coercive, aggressive and deceptive”.

The actions had no place in the international arena which is governed by international law, Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad told a briefing.

The Philippines said China’s air force dropped flares and executed dangerous manoeuvres which endangered its pilots over the disputed South China Sea. The Chinese military has disputed its account, saying it acted in a professional and legal manner.