Tensions soared in the South China Sea on February 20 as Chinese military forces expelled three Philippine aircraft accused of illegally breaching airspace over the disputed Nansha Qundao islands. According to a spokesperson from the People’s Liberation Army,

A Philippine plane warned a Chinese military helicopter over the South China Sea that it was "flying too close," as tension between the U.S. ally and Beijing soars.

China's activity in the contested South China Sea is "hindering" Filipino companies from exploring natural resources in the region, Philippines Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo said during a talk at Chatham House in London on Tuesday.

"The Philippines has no major external security threats, but has turned itself into a country that undermines regional peace and stability through a militarization carnival," said Ding Duo, director of the Research Center for International and Regional Issues at the National Institute for South China Sea Studies.

The visit of France’s nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the Charles de Gaulle, follows joint combat drills with Filipino forces, a move likely to antagonise China.

France’s nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and accompanying warships were in the Philippines on Sunday after holding combat drills with Philippine forces in the disputed South China Sea in a show of firepower that would likely antagonize China.

The countries' military exercises last week are likely to displease China, which claims ownership over most of the South China Sea. View on euronews