A Chinese navy helicopter flew within three meters of a Philippine patrol aircraft over the disputed Scarborough Reef in the South China Sea, prompting the Filipino pilot to warn, “You are flying too close, you are very dangerous.”

Philippine Coast Guard Spokesperson Jay Tarriela condemned the incident, calling it a violation of international aviation safety rules and a serious threat to the aircraft’s crew and passengers. He reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to defending its sovereignty despite escalating Chinese actions.

In response, China accused the Philippine aircraft of illegally entering its airspace near Scarborough Reef, which Beijing refers to as Huangyan Island. Tensions between the two countries continue to rise over territorial disputes in the region.