China says it warned off Philippine aircraft above disputed Scarborough Shoal

FILES PHOTO: This photo taken on February 15, 2024 shows a Chinese navy ship sailing during the sunrise near the China-controlled Scarborough Shoal, in the disputed waters of the South China Sea. - AFP

BEIJING: China's military said it sent naval and air forces to warn and expel two Philippines aircraft that had "illegally intruded into territorial airspace" above the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea on Wednesday (March 18).

The embassy of the Philippines in Beijing did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

"We sternly urge the Philippine side to immediately stop infringement and provocations," the Chinese military's Southern Theatre Command said in a statement. - Reuters