PLA says it tracked Philippine aircraft after airspace intrusion

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command on Friday said it had organized air and naval forces to track and monitor three Philippine aircraft after they illegally entered the airspace over China's Huangyan Dao without approval from the Chinese government.

Li Jianjian, spokesperson for the Air Force of the theater command, said the Philippine aircraft, including an Islander, a C-208 and a PA-31T, entered the airspace on Friday.

Chinese forces followed legal procedures to track the aircraft and issued warnings, he said.

The Philippine action seriously violated China's sovereignty and could easily lead to misunderstanding and miscalculation, Li said, urging the Philippines to immediately stop infringement and provocative actions.

The Southern Theater Command's forces will remain on high alert and resolutely safeguard national sovereignty and security as well as regional peace and stability, Li added. (Cover: PLA Southern Theater Command conducts patrols in the territorial waters, airspace and surrounding areas of China's Huangyan Dao, March 29, 2026. /VCG)