Tensions escalated between the Philippines and China after a Chinese navy helicopter approached within 3 meters of a Philippine patrol plane over Scarborough Shoal. The U.S. condemned the maneuver as dangerous, urging China to avoid coercive actions. Filipino officials emphasized their commitment to sovereignty amid aggressive Chinese activities. The incident highlights long-standing disputes over the area, exacerbated by President Marcos Jr.'s renewed ties with the U.S. following Duterte's shift towards Beijing. China contested the situation, claiming the Philippine plane was trespassing in Chinese airspace.
We condemn the dangerous manoeuvres by a PLA Navy helicopter that endangered pilots and passengers on a Philippine air mission. We call on China to refrain from coercive actions and settle its disputes peacefully in accordance with international law.
You are flying too close, you are very dangerous and endangering the lives of our crew and passengers.
We remain committed to asserting our sovereignty, sovereign rights and maritime jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea, despite the aggressive and escalatory actions of China.
The Chinese military claimed the Philippine plane had 'illegally entered the airspace of China's Huangyan Island without the Chinese government's permission.'
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