Chinese Helicopter's Close Approach to Philippine Plane Escalates South China Sea Tensions

A Chinese military helicopter flew within 10 feet of a Philippine patrol plane near Scarborough Shoal, prompting condemnation from the Philippines and the United States.

The incident occurred over the contested Scarborough Shoal, a key fishing area within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone but claimed by China.
The Philippine plane, carrying journalists and coast guard personnel, was conducting a routine patrol when it was intercepted by the Chinese helicopter.
The U.S. condemned the maneuver as dangerous and reaffirmed its commitment to the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines.
China defended its actions, claiming the Philippine aircraft had illegally entered its airspace and accusing Manila of spreading false narratives.
The encounter highlights escalating tensions in the South China Sea, where China has been increasingly assertive in its territorial claims despite a 2016 international ruling invalidating them.