A Chinese naval helicopter triggered alarm on Tuesday after maneuvering within 3 meters of a Philippine patrol aircraft above the disputed Scarborough Shoal. The near-collision occurred during a routine fisheries patrol in the South China Sea, with the Philippine pilot urgently warning via radio:
You are flying too close, endangering lives. Maintain FAA and ICAO safety distances.
An Associated Press journalist aboard the Philippine Cessna Caravian witnessed the 30-minute aerial standoff, documenting the People's Liberation Army Navy helicopter alternating between hovering above and flanking the low-altitude patrol aircraft. Meteorlogical conditions compounded risks, with cloud cover reducing visibility throughout the encounter.
The Philippine Coast Guard later reinforced its stance: We remain committed to asserting sovereignty despite China's escalatory tactics. This incident marks the latest friction point in a decades-long territorial dispute involving six claimants:
- China
- Philippines
- Vietnam
- Malaysia
- Brunei
- Taiwan
Beijing has not officially commented, though historical patterns suggest defense of its indisputable sovereigntyclaims. The confrontation occurs against heightened regional tensions:
· Scarborough Shoal: Traditional fishing grounds under Chinese coast guard surveillance since 2012
· Second Thomas Shoal: Site of Philippine naval outpost disputed since 1999
· UNCLOS Arbitration: 2016 international ruling rejecting China's expansive claims
Analysts highlight growing risks of miscalculation, citing 23 sea confrontations between Chinese and Philippine vessels since 2022. While diplomatic channels remain open, Manila continues joint patrols with U.S. allies—a strategy Beijing condemns as external interference.
