Philippines accuses Chinese navy helicopter of ‘dangerous’ maneuvers over South China sea

The Philippines reported that a Chinese Navy helicopter performed “hazardous flight maneuvers” close to its own aircraft above the South China Sea.

According to Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Jay Tarriela’s post on X, a Chinese aircraft approached within three meters of a Philippine fisheries bureau helicopter flying near Scarborough Shoal on Tuesday morning.

“This reckless action posed a serious risk to the safety of the pilots and passengers,” Tarriela said, adding that coast guard personnel and photojournalists were onboard the Philippine aircraft during the incident.

The Chinese embassy in Manila did not promptly reply to a request for comment. This incident represents the most recent interaction that might escalate ongoing tensions between Manila and Beijing regarding the South China Sea, where both countries uphold their claims to the resource-abundant waterway that functions as an essential trade route.