ASEAN nations protest against Chinese flights over East Sea

Philippine Foreign Ministry Charles Jose said that Manila had filed a letter of protest against China's test flights to the Fiery Cross Reef at the Chinese Embassy. Jose described the flights as "provocative actions" that will restrict the freedom of navigation and flights over the East Sea. He said China’s actions had elevated tensions and anxiety in the region and were in violation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC). 

Earlier, Malaysian Foreign Minister Dato' Sri Anifah Aman  also said that China’s flights had created an unfavourable environment for the resolution of disputes in the East Sea. He emphasised China's actions could increase tensions in the East Sea and erode trust between involved countries.