• A Chinese navy helicopter flew within 10 feet of a Philippine patrol plane over Scarborough Shoal.
• The Philippine government plans to lodge a diplomatic protest following the incident.
• The US condemned the Chinese military's actions, calling for peaceful dispute resolution.

A tense encounter occurred over the Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea when a Chinese navy helicopter flew dangerously close to a Philippine patrol plane, provoking strong responses from both the Philippines and the United States. The incident, which took place earlier this week, has escalated tensions in a region long marked by territorial disputes involving China and several Southeast Asian nations.

The Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources reported that a Cessna 208 aircraft from the Philippines was undertaking a surveillance mission when the Chinese helicopter approached to within approximately 10 feet (3 meters). According to SCMP, the Filipino pilot alerted the Chinese crew via radio, stating that they were "flying too close" and that their actions were "very dangerous."

The Chinese military justified its aggressive maneuvers, claiming that the Philippine aircraft had “illegally invaded” Chinese airspace, and termed the Philippines' maritime activities as provocations. This encounter is part of a long-standing dispute over the Scarborough Shoal, known in China as Huangyan Island. The shoal lies within the Philippine exclusive economic zone but is also claimed by China. The area is significant not only for its rich fishing grounds but also as a crucial maritime route.

Following the incident, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines, MaryKay Carlson, condemned the actions of the Chinese military, emphasizing that such maneuvers are "dangerous" and threaten the safety of pilots and passengers aboard the Philippine aircraft. The U.S. has called for China to adhere to international law and resolve disputes through diplomatic means. Ambassador Carlson stated, “We call on China to refrain from coercive actions.” This sentiment reflects the greater geopolitical stakes in the South China Sea, where U.S. interests in upholding freedom of navigation intersect with competing claims from China and its neighbors.

The latest encounter recalls previous incidents, such as instances where the Chinese coast guard has employed aggressive tactics against Philippine vessels. Despite multiple diplomatic discussions, the situation remains highly volatile. The Philippine Coast Guard has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the country’s resources and sovereignty in light of these pressures.

The encounter has drawn attention not only in the Philippines but globally, highlighting ongoing tensions in the South China Sea. The contested waters are of strategic importance and have been the subject of numerous diplomatic protests and international arbitration, including a ruling in 2016 by an international tribunal which largely sided with the Philippines but has been rejected by China. The U.S., maintaining a longtime mutual defense treaty with the Philippines, continues to express its support regarding these maritime disputes, facilitating joint military exercises and patrols as deterrence against potential aggression from China.

The call for diplomacy and restraint remains urgent as both nations navigate these treacherous waters in their ongoing territorial dispute, with numerous regional actors closely watching their next moves.

For more details on the incident, refer to CBS News. Read more on the historical context of the Scarborough Shoal conflict at Al Jazeera.