Chinese military expels Philippine aircraft from Huangyan Dao airspace

China

Chinese military expels Philippine aircraft from Huangyan Dao airspace

2026-10-05 18:59 Last Updated At：21:08

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command on Saturday expelled a Philippine C-208 aircraft that illegally intruded into the territorial airspace over China's Huangyan Dao without approval from the Chinese government, a spokesperson said Monday.

Zhai Shichen, spokesperson for the PLA Southern Theater Command, said the command dispatched naval and air forces to track and monitor the small Philippine aircraft and issued warnings to expel it in accordance with laws and regulations.

Huangyan Dao is China's inherent territory, and such acts by the Philippine side seriously violate China's sovereignty and are highly likely to cause unintended maritime and air incidents, Zhai said.

"We sternly warn the Philippine side to stop rights violations and provocative acts immediately," Zhai said, adding that forces of the theater command remain on high alert at all times to firmly safeguard national sovereignty and security as well as regional peace and stability.

Tourists enjoy hospitality in Xinjiang's Kashi ancient city during National Day holiday

The ancient City of Kashi in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region was bustling with tourists this National Day holiday, recording more than 160,000 tourist visits on Friday, the second day of the week-long holiday.

The day typically begins at the East Gate, where a traditional gate-opening ceremony is held every morning, featuring local Muqam music and the Hu Xuan dance.

"We're really glad to be here during the National Day holiday. We just watched the city-opening ceremony and could truly feel the warmth and hospitality of Xinjiang," said Luo Shuangzong, a tourist from northeast China's Liaoning Province.

The crowds then spilled into the ancient city’s winding streets, lined with food stalls, handicraft shops, cafes and photo studios.

Tourists enjoyed tea and musical performances in the courtyards and joined local residents in traditional gatherings.

"We watched all the performances. There were songs and dances from different ethnic groups, and I think they are really rhythmic and passionate, full of energy. I'm very very happy," said Zhang Fan, a tourist from Beijing.