Chinese Fighter Jets 'Orbit' Philippine Patrol Aircraft Amid Joint Sea and Air Exercises with Australia

The incident occurs as the Philippines intensifies efforts to counter China's 'aggressive activities' in the South China Sea, a region of escalating tensions.

• Two Chinese fighter jets were monitored 'orbiting' a Philippine aircraft participating in patrols with Australia in the South China Sea.
• The militaries of the Philippines and Australia carried out a second day of sea and air exercises in the Southeast Asian country's exclusive economic zone.
• The Philippines is ramping up efforts to counter what it describes as China's 'aggressive activities' in the South China Sea.
• China has accused the Philippines of enlisting 'foreign forces' to patrol the South China Sea and stirring up trouble.
• Participating in the joint drills were two Philippine navy vessels and five Philippine surveillance aircraft, and Australia's frigate Toowoomba and P8-A maritime surveillance aircraft.

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