Chinese aircraft spotted in Kagitingan Reef, says group

A Chinese military aircraft was spotted at the Kagitingan Reef (Fiery Cross Reef) in the West Philippine Sea, data provider ImageSat International has said.

In a tweet dated March 29, the ImageSat International said a satellite image from March 28 had shown that a Chinese Y-8 transport aircraft landed on the said reef, "probably bringing supplies" to the area.

South #China Sea: Routine operation of transport #aircraft in the #SouthChinaSea could indicate that the #Chinese #military is hardly affected by the #COVID19 crisis. #IMINT #VISINT #DEFENSE #intelligence #ISI #AI #Airforce pic.twitter.com/phbKFELm0k

— ImageSat Intl. (@ImageSatIntl) March 29, 2020

"Routine operation of transport aircraft in the South China Sea area could indicate that the Chinese military is hardly affected by the country's health crisis," the ImageSat International said.

This alleged activity by China came amid the increasing cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) across the globe. The pandemic started in Wuhan City in Hubei Province.

GMA News Online has contacted the Department of National Defense and the Armed Forces of the Philippines for comment regarding the said activity of China in the region.