in Shanghai and in Beijing
China and the Philippines have been involved in further stand-offs in the South China Sea, potentially undercutting efforts to put their relationship back on an even keel.
China’s military said on Friday it had expelled several small Philippine aircraft from the waters over Scarborough Shoal , one of the main flashpoints between the two countries.
The South China Sea reef, known as Huangyan Island in China and Panatag Shoal in the Philippines, is controlled by Beijing but also claimed by Manila.
“Recently, multiple small aircraft from the Philippines intruded into the airspace of China’s Huangyan Island without authorisation from the Chinese government,” the Southern Theatre Command of the People’s Liberation Army said.
“[The PLA] organised naval and air forces to track and monitor the aircraft in accordance with laws and regulations, issued strong warnings to them, and resolutely drove them away,” it said, warning Manila to stop infringements and provocations.