Chinese forces fired flares at an unarmed Philippine Coast Guard patrol plane over the Spratly Islands on Sept. 7.

Intelligence summary

Chinese forces fired flares at an unarmed Philippine Coast Guard patrol plane over the Spratly Islands on Sept. 7. First from Subi Reef, then again from Mischief Reef as the aircraft approached Thitu Island. The crew was challenged by radio both times and responded that China's presence on the reclaimed reefs violates international law and the 2016 arbitral ruling. The PCG also reported large numbers of Chinese militia vessels inside both reef lagoons. The Philippine Coast Guard called t