A Chinese plane allegedly fired flares at a Philippine Air Force (PAF) jet amid territorial tensions in the South China Sea.

Footage shows the Chinese aircraft launching several flares reportedly along the path of a PAF NC-212i plane on a routine maritime patrol over the disputed Scarborough Shoal on August 8.

The Armed Forces of the Phlippines said in a statement: 'The incident posed a threat to Philippine Air Force aircraft and its crew, interfered with lawful flight operations in airspace within Philippine sovereignty and jurisdiction, and contravened international law and regulations governing safety of aviation.

'The pilots and crew of the NC-212i safely returned to Clakr Air Base at 10:00 am. All personnel on board were unharmed.'

The AFP said it has reported the incident to the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs and Relevant Agencies.

Meanwhile, the Southern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) claimed the Philippine jet 'illegally intruded into Chinese airspace'.

The PLA said: 'The on-site operation was professional, abided by norms, legitimate, and legal.'

The encounter marks the first time the Philippines has slammed China over 'dangerous actions' in airspace instead of the sea.

Expansionist China currently lays claim over almost the entire South China Sea, one of the world's busiest sea lanes. But a United Nations-backed tribunal in 2016 deemed its claims groundless.

The Communist rogue state - accused of genocide for its crimes against the Uyghur population - has been steadily increasing its influence in recent years through investment in developing countries.