China forces two Filipino aircraft to fly out of its airspace

BEIJING, Oct 16 (KUNA) -- China announced Thursday that it had taken control and "expulsion measures" against two Philippine reconnaissance aircraft in accordance with the law, after they breached the airspace over Huangyan Island, a disputed territory between the two countries in the South China Sea.
Chinese Coast Guard spokesperson Liu Dejun said in a statement that the Philippines had recently dispatched aircraft into the island's air and maritime zones to carry out repeated provocative actions. Xinhua News Agency reported. Dejun highlighted that this action is violation of China's sovereignty and undermined regional peace and stability.
He further called on the Philippine side to immediately cease its violations, provocations and media hype.
Beijing and Manila have recently flared up tension again following a collision between their vessels last Sunday in the South China Sea, which led to an exchange of accusations over responsibility for the incident. (end) slk.ahs