A Chinese navy helicopter flew within 10 feet of a Philippine patrol plane on Tuesday in a disputed area of the the South China Sea, as the Filipino pilot warned by radio: “You are flying too close, you are very dangerous.”

Summary

A Chinese navy helicopter flew dangerously close—within 10 feet—of a Philippine patrol plane over Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, prompting warnings from the Philippine pilot.

The Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources was conducting a patrol when the Chinese aircraft attempted to force it out of the area, which China claims as its airspace.

The incident highlights escalating tensions in disputed waters, where confrontations have increased.

The Philippines reaffirmed its sovereignty, while China has yet to comment but continues to assert its territorial claims.