Chinese forces fired flares at a Philippine Coast Guard Cessna Caravan aircraft on April 9, 2026, during routine maritime domain awareness flights over the Kalayaan Island Group in the West Philippine Sea.
The incidents occurred near Panganiban Reef, known internationally as Mischief Reef, and Zamora Reef, or Subi Reef, both transformed by China into artificial island outposts in the Spratly Islands. Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, described the actions as a clear and deliberate act of bullying that endangered the unarmed aircraft crew. He noted repeated radio challenges during the flight.
This event follows a similar flare incident involving a PCG aircraft near Panganiban Reef on March 20, 2026, and a near-collision between the Philippine Navy vessel BRP Benguet and a Chinese warship near Pag-asa Island.
China’s embassy in Manila has accused the PCG of stirring trouble, claiming Tarriela seeks confrontation through flights with journalists. Tarriela countered that China’s illegal and aggressive actions fuel tensions. The PCG has increased transparency flights to document such incidents.
Similar flare uses against aircraft have affected other nations, including an Australian P-8A Poseidon in February 2025 and a Canadian CP-140 Aurora in October 2023.