Philippines takes ‘diplomatic action’ after Chinese bombers land at South China Sea island base

China landed long-range bombers on one of its occupied islands for the first time in its latest military action in the disputed seas, setting off international concern

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A strategic H-6K bomber from China’s air force recently conducted take-off and landing exercises on Woody Island, China’s largest base in the Paracel Islands in the South China Sea. Photo: Handout

Published: 1:12pm, 21 May 2018Updated: 1:53pm, 21 May 2018

The Philippines expressed “serious concerns” over the presence of China’s strategic bombers in the disputed South China Sea and its foreign ministry has taken “appropriate diplomatic action”, the spokesman of President Rodrigo Duterte said on Monday.

China’s air force said bombers such as the H-6K had landed and taken off from islands and reefs in the South China Sea as part of training exercises last week, drawing angry reactions from opposition lawmakers in Manila. The United States also sent ships to the disputed areas.

The Philippines could not independently verify the presence of Chinese bombers in the South China Sea, said presidential spokesman Harry Roque.

“But, we take note of the reports that appeared and we express our serious concerns anew on its impact to efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region,” Roque told a regular media briefing at the presidential palace.

The Department of Foreign Affairs in the Philippines said it was monitoring developments.

“We are taking the appropriate diplomatic action necessary to protect our claims and will continue to do so in the future,” it said in a statement.