Tensions between China and the Philippines continue to escalate

A Chinese navy helicopter made a dangerous approach to a Philippine aircraft, further escalating tensions between China and the Philippines.

According to BBC reporting, based on footage released by the Philippine Coast Guard, on February 18, a Chinese navy helicopter made an extremely dangerous approach to a Philippine aircraft that was conducting surveillance in the disputed area of the South China Sea. The helicopter came within just three meters of the Philippine aircraft, prompting the pilot to issue a radio warning to the Chinese aircraft.

China has been claiming sovereignty over the Scarborough Shoal for years, and this region has been a point of contention between the Philippines and China.

After the incident, the U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines condemned the Chinese navy helicopter's dangerous approach to the Philippine government aircraft. The Philippine government emphasized its commitment to defending sovereignty in the region and expressed strong concerns about this unprofessional action by China, planning to file a formal diplomatic protest.

China has rejected the Philippines' accusations, declaring that the Philippine side had illegally intruded and was spreading false statements."