The Armed Forces of the Philippines has accused China of being “aggressive” in challenging a Philippine patrol aircraft in West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) early this week.

“Nababahala rin tayo bakit icha-challenge tayo sa sarili nating teritoryo. Ito ay aggressive action dun sa part ng Chinese vessel (We’re worried why we are being challenged right in our own territory. This is an aggressive action on the part of a Chinese vessel) ,” AFP Public Affairs Office chief Lieutenant Colonel Harold Cabunoc told reporters at Camp Aguinaldo on Friday.

But Cabunoc said the Philippine troops will not back down despite the Chinese aggressive actions.

“Hindi nagpapadala yung ating mga propesyunal na sundalo dun sa aggressive action ng Chinese vessel at sumusunod na sila dun sa kautusan na hindi dapat nila suklian ang aggressive actions (Our professional soldiers did not let themselves get carried away by the aggressive action of the Chinese vessel),” Cabunoc said.

A Chinese ship reportedly warned a Philippine Navy islander by aiming a powerful light while doing a maritime patrol in Zamora Reef (Subi) near Pag-asa Island (Thitu) in the Kalayaan Island Group (Spratlys) midday Sunday.

The sea vessel was not identified by the Philippine military.