Tensions between China and the Philippines escalated following an incident on August 8, where two Chinese fighter jets executed dangerous maneuvers and dropped flares in the path of a Philippine Air Force (PAF) patrol plane near Scarborough Shoal. Philippine military chief General Romeo Brawner condemned the actions as provocative, posing a threat to the safety of the PAF crew and violating international aviation regulations. The Chinese military justified their conduct by claiming the Philippine aircraft had intruded into airspace they assert over the area, which has been a point of contention since a standoff in 2012. Fortunately, all personnel on board the NC-212i aircraft returned safely to base. The Philippine government has lodged a formal protest with its Department of Foreign Affairs and reiterated its commitment to uphold its rights under international law. This incident marks a significant escalation in the ongoing maritime disputes in the South China Sea.