Philippines sends fighter aircraft over Chinese vessels in South China Sea

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Philippines sends fighter aircraft over Chinese vessels in South China Sea
By Reuters Staff
MARCH 27, 20218:49 PMUPDATED 15 HOURS AGO

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-philippines-china-southchinasea/philippines-sends-fighter-aircraft-over-chinese-vessels-in-south-china-sea-id

MANILA (Reuters) - The Philippine military is sending light fighter aircraft to fly over hundreds of Chinese vessels in disputed waters in the South China Sea, its defence minister said, as he repeated his demand the flotilla be withdrawn immediately.

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The Philippine military aircraft were sent daily to monitor the situation, Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said in a statement late on Saturday.

Lorenzana said the military will also beef up its naval presence in the South China Sea to conduct “sovereignty patrols” and protect Filipino fishermen.

“Our air and sea assets are ready to protect our sovereignty and sovereign rights,” Lorenzana said.

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