China threatens Philippine military aircraft over South China Sea

The US Navy's P8-A Poseidon patrol aircraft, while flying over the East Sea on August 10, received a threatening message from China via radio waves.to Philippine military aircraft operating nearby, according toInquirer.

"Philippine military aircraft. I warn you again. Leave immediately or be responsible for all consequences," the Chinese navy message stressed.

China also sent out six warning signals and chased away the US P-8A that flew over four illegally built artificial islands on Subi, Fiery Cross, Gac Ma and Vanh Khan reefs in Vietnam's Truong Sa archipelago. A BBC reporter on board the reconnaissance plane recorded these warnings and noticed the different tones of the Chinese side with the US and Philippine aircraft.

"The warning to the Philippines was not as mild as that to the US aircraft," said reporter Rupert Wingfield-Hayes. China only asked the US aircraft to "leave immediately and avoid causing any misunderstanding."

Each time they received a warning signal from China, the US pilots responded that they were operating legally in international waters.

Euan Graham of Australia's Lowy Institute also said there was a "notable" difference in China's approach to the Philippines and the US. "It's notable that the Chinese military's warnings to Philippine aircraft were more threatening than those to US aircraft. Is there a distinction when threatening smaller, weaker countries?" Graham asked.

Philippine military officials have not commented on the above information.