Incident in Disputed Waters
Chinese forces reportedly fired three flares from the artificial island of Subi Reef towards a Philippine patrol plane on Saturday, December 6, 2025. The incident occurred during a routine surveillance mission by the Philippine aircraft in the highly contested South China Sea. According to the Philippine coast guard, the flares were launched from the Chinese-occupied reef as the plane conducted its lawful overflight.
Philippine Plane Continues Mission
The aircraft involved was a Cessna Grand Caravan belonging to the Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). Despite the firing of flares, the Philippine coast guard confirmed that the incident did not cause any problems, and the aircraft proceeded with its surveillance mission. The BFAR aircraft reportedly recorded video footage of the flares being fired from the reef. The purpose of these flights is to monitor the marine environment, assess fisheries resources, and ensure the safety and welfare of Filipino fishermen in what Manila refers to as the West Philippine Sea.
Context of South China Sea Dispute
The incident underscores the ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea, a vital global trade route. Beijing asserts claims over virtually the entire South China Sea, and Chinese forces have previously used flares from occupied islands and aircraft as warnings for foreign planes to depart what it considers its airspace. Subi Reef is one of seven disputed and largely submerged reefs that China has transformed into artificial island bases in the Spratly Islands over the past decade. These artificial islands are reportedly protected by missile systems, and three of them feature military-grade runways.
During its patrol, the Philippine aircraft also observed a Chinese hospital ship, two Chinese coast guard ships, and 29 suspected militia ships anchored in the waters off Subi Reef. Chinese officials have not yet issued an immediate comment regarding the incident.
5 Comments
Habibi
While China's actions are certainly escalatory, the Philippines also needs to be careful not to provoke in such a volatile region. Dialogue is key to de-escalation.
ZmeeLove
Bravo to the Philippine crew for continuing their mission despite the threats.
Muchacho
The article rightly points out the ongoing tensions, and China's militarization is a fact that cannot be ignored. However, smaller nations sometimes use these incidents to rally international support, which can also complicate de-escalation efforts.
Coccinella
While the Philippines has a right to patrol its claimed waters, the presence of military assets on both sides makes incidents like this inevitable. The international community needs to facilitate a long-term resolution, not just react to individual provocations.
Bermudez
Another day, another Chinese provocation. The world needs to act.