Southern Theater Command spokesman Senior Colonel Zhai Shichen said on Oct. 3 a
Philippine C-208 aircraft entered China’s Huangyan Island (Scarborough Shoal)
airspace without Chinese government approval. The PLA Southern Theater Command
deployed naval and air forces to track, monitor, warn and expel the aircraft in
accordance with law. The statement called the action a serious violation of
Chinese sovereignty that could trigger maritime and air incidents and urged the
Philippines to stop infringements and provocations immediately. Theater forces
remain on high alert to defend national sovereignty, security and regional
stability.