China on Thursday said it will go on “high alert” after the Philippines announced plans to acquire five Japanese planes to patrol the disputed South China Sea with Beijing warning Manila not to challenge its sovereignty over the waterway.
The Philippines will lease five aircraft from Japan to help patrol the South China Sea (SCS), President Benigno Aquino said. “We have noticed relevant media reports. China resolutely opposes the Philippines’ move if it aims to challenge China’s sovereignty and security interests,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong lei said.
“Meanwhile, China will be on high alert for Japan’s actions,” Hong said asking Japan not to meddle in the South China Sea.
“I want to reiterate that Japan is not a party directly concerned with SCS dispute. We will remain on high alert on its actions and urge Japanese side to mind its words and actions and refrain from undermining peace and stability of the region”, he said.