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February 18, 2025 – Philippines –
In a significant escalation of tensions in the South China Sea, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has condemned what it describes as “dangerous” maneuvers by a Chinese Navy helicopter that flew within three meters of a Philippine surveillance aircraft over the contested Scarborough Shoal on February 18, 2025.
The Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) aircraft, which was conducting a routine maritime domain awareness flight, had a group of journalists onboard. According to the PCG, the Chinese helicopter performed “reckless” flight maneuvers, tailing the plane before drawing near its left wing, close enough for personnel aboard to be seen filming the journalists. The PCG described the incident as the “most dangerous” yet by Beijing in the South China Sea, highlighting the presence of media personnel and the heightened risk involved.
In response to the incident, the Philippine government expressed deep concern over China’s “unprofessional and reckless” actions and announced plans to file a diplomatic protest. The United States also condemned China’s “dangerous” actions, urging Beijing to refrain from coercive measures and to resolve disputes peacefully by international law.
The Scarborough Shoal, a resource-rich atoll within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, has been a longstanding point of contention between the two nations. China claims sovereignty over nearly the entire South China Sea, including areas within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, despite a 2016 international arbitration ruling that invalidated China’s expansive claims.
The incident underscores the escalating maritime tensions in the region and the challenges in enforcing international maritime laws amidst competing territorial claims. Both the Philippines and the United States have reiterated calls for China to respect international norms and to cease actions that threaten the safety of vessels and aircraft operating in the South China Sea.
As the situation develops, the international community continues to monitor the South China Sea closely, advocating for peaceful resolutions and adherence to international legal standards in the face of ongoing disputes.
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