The Philippine media reporter, on August 13, 2025 local time, took a Cessna reconnaissance aircraft of the Philippine Air Force to take pictures of the confrontation between the Chinese and U.S. navies near the Scarborough Shoal. The footage captured the deployment of a large number of Chinese warships and fighter jets near the Scarborough Shoal, as well as the actions taken by the Chinese fighter jets (the Philippine media mistakenly identified the Su-30 fighter jet as the J-15 carrier-based fighter jet) to drive away the Philippine Air Force reconnaissance aircraft. A female Philippine journalist on board the Philippine Air Force Cessna reconnaissance aircraft took photos showing that there were many Chinese warships around the Scarborough Shoal, and the skies were patrolled by Chinese Su-30 fighter jets. Obviously, if the Philippine authorities and the U.S. Navy are provoking at this moment, it is like "hitting an egg against a stone."
Screen capture from Global Times' report on August 13
The Scarborough Shoal is indeed very close to the Philippine coast. The Philippine air force, the U.S. Air Force, and the U.S. Navy can all launch from Philippine bases, including the U.S. military bases and ports in the Philippines. However, with the strong power of China, it is still uncertain which side will have the advantage in the balance of power in the South China Sea. Why did the U.S. Navy dare to send two warships, the Higgins destroyer and the Cincinnati LCS littoral combat ship, and possibly one nuclear submarine (which was reportedly detected, but the information is uncertain), to support the Philippines on August 13? In short, it's because of the convenience of power projection. After the provocation, they can immediately return to the Philippine ports and bases for logistics support and protection.
Photos publicly released by the Philippine media showing the Philippine military reconnaissance aircraft intercepted by the Chinese Su-30 fighter jets
Photo taken by a Philippine female journalist showing the confrontation between China and the U.S. in the South China Sea
Facing the powerful strength of the Chinese navy, the U.S. navy is indeed unable to confront or oppose the Chinese navy in terms of strength. Our current restraint in the face of the U.S. navy is actually a demonstration of confidence. Because I know that our navy will eventually enter the U.S. ambiguous area, while the U.S. navy will find it difficult to enter the South China Sea, East China Sea, and the Taiwan Strait. We are not firing the first shot now, for our own good.
The Philippine Air Force reconnaissance aircraft was intercepted and driven away by the Chinese Su-30 fighter jets
On August 13, a Philippine journalist captured footage showing the Chinese Su-30 fighter jets tracking and driving away the Philippine Air Force reconnaissance aircraft and warning them via radio to stop infringing immediately, otherwise the consequences would be their own responsibility. From the video captured by the Philippine journalist, it can be seen that the Chinese Su-30 fighter jets were flying slowly to warn the Philippine Air Force reconnaissance aircraft. Meanwhile, the Philippine Air Force reconnaissance aircraft used a propeller plane and intentionally flew slowly. Later, the Philippine Air Force propeller reconnaissance aircraft interrupted the interception. The Philippine military clearly knew that if the Philippine Air Force propeller reconnaissance aircraft did not leave, the Chinese Su-30 fighter jets could easily cause serious damage to the Philippine Air Force propeller reconnaissance aircraft with just their machine guns.
The Philippine military reconnaissance aircraft carried a female Philippine journalist, provocatively flying over the Scarborough Shoal
A spokesperson for the Philippine Coast Guard, Tarieira, stated that the Chinese aircraft once came within about 200 feet (approximately 61 meters) of the Philippine aircraft. We have actual control over the Scarborough Shoal. The Philippine authorities are coming to provoke and consume you. The Philippine Air Force does not have jet fighters; they use old planes to provoke. Since the Philippine Air Force uses propeller planes to fly over the Scarborough Shoal, we can use jet fighters to fly over the Luzon Island, giving the Philippines courage. If they dare to fire, they can't hit us. You fly once, I fly ten times.
Intercepting the Philippine Air Force reconnaissance aircraft, especially the propeller drone, it might be best to consider using drones
Facing the provocation of the Philippine Navy using propeller reconnaissance aircraft, we also need to vigorously develop vertical takeoff and landing fixed-wing drones on board, so that the Chinese maritime police ships can also have their own aviation forces to confront the opposing side. For aerial interception, we can use long-endurance reconnaissance and strike integrated drones, such as the CH-2, WZ-10 (armed type), and the Twin Tail Scorpion armed drones. These drones can be equipped with air-to-air missiles, laser-guided rocket launchers, flash grenade launchers, and laser dazzlers. They can operate continuously for 24 hours, network real-time monitoring, and promptly drive away. Alternatively, we can use domestic propeller planes deployed on island reefs. Propeller planes are suitable for handling small, low-speed tasks, have good safety with dual engines and four seats, and have low maintenance costs with gasoline turbocharged engines. They can be equipped with gun pods and Tianyan air-to-air missiles, which are sufficient.
The U.S. Navy has sent two warships, and possibly even one nuclear submarine, into the South China Sea to support the Philippines
It can be said that the current situation in the South China Sea has escalated! Previously, only the Chinese maritime police were involved, but now the Chinese navy and air force have also been mobilized, obviously indicating that China has made comprehensive preparations, especially on August 13, when the U.S. Navy sent two warships, and possibly one nuclear submarine! The Philippine military has learned our method of using a small force to counter a large one, requiring only a small cost for provocation, while we need a large cost to defend. It's like ants attacking, so we can consider taking the initiative to attack, sending some ships into the Philippine territorial waters, such as Zhongye Island, making the Philippine authorities preoccupied with defense. Sovereignty issues cannot be measured by cost. The Scarborough Shoal is already firmly controlled by China, and the Philippine authorities will inevitably come to cause trouble. The Philippine government will definitely not give up.
Original text: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7538285639905640999/
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