BEIJING, March 20 — On March 20, 2026, a Type C-208 Philippine aircraft illegally intruded into the airspace over waters adjacent to Meiji Jiao of China's Nansha Qundao. The navy and air force troops assigned to the Chinese PLA Southern Theater Command tracked and monitored the Philippine aircraft, issuing warnings to expel it in accordance with laws and regulations, said Senior Captain Zhai Shichen, spokesperson for the PLA Southern Theater Command, on Friday.

He stressed that the Philippine side's acts constitute a serious violation of China's sovereignty.

He solemnly warned the Philippine side to immediately cease all rights violation and provocative acts, and to work together with China to uphold peace and stability in the South China Sea region.