The Philippines has protested China's test landing in the Manila-claimed Kagitingan Reef (Fiery Cross Reef) in the Spratlys, calling it a provocative action that raises tensions in the region.
“We formally protested on 8 January 2016 the recent test flights conducted by China to the Kagitingan Reef (Fiery Cross Reef) and its provocative actions restricting the freedom of navigation and overflight in the WPS (West Philippine Sea),” Foreign Affairs spokesperson Charles Jose said in a text message.
“These actions by China have elevated tensions and anxiety in the region and are in violation of the spirit and letter of the ASEAN China DOC (Declaration on the Conduct of Parties),” Jose added.
A Chinese newspaper earlier reported that last week, China landed two test flights on an island it has built in the West Philippines Sea. It said the test flights proved that the “airport has the capacity to ensure the safe operation of large civilian aircraft.”
Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario earlier said the test flights and landings on the reef claimed by the Philippines might lead to a Chinese air defense zone in the disputed waters if left unchallenged.
“We are very concerned about the fact that China had already flown their flights to Fiery Cross Reef and we are also concerned that there are plans to do more,” Del Rosario said last week at a joint press conference with British Foreign Minister Philip Hammond.
Vietnam, which is also claiming the reef, had also protested the move.
China has rejected Vietnam's protest, saying the test flights are "completely within China’s sovereignty."
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/550993/news/nation/phl-protests-china-test-landing-in-kagitingan-reef-in-spratlys
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