In another confrontation between two nations locked in a bitter row over territory, the Philippines reported on Wednesday ( Sep 25 ) that its fisheries bureau aircraft was approached and shadowed by a Chinese navy helicopter while on patrol near the disputed Scarborough Shoal.
The incident occurred on Monday, according to the Philippine National Security Council ( NSC), and the aircraft was still able to carry out its mission. China’s military in Manila did not respond to a request for comment right away.
The Scarborough Shoal, one of Asia’s most contentious capabilities, has been occupied by China’s beach watch for more than a decade, making up the latest in a series of air and sea disputes between the two nations.
China’s activities violated heat safety regulations, the NSC said in a speech.
China claims about the full South China Sea, including Scarborough Shoal, a coveted location for its abundant seafood stocks and beautiful turquoise lagoon, based on its interpretation of aged maps.
The shoal, named after a British vessel that got stuck there centuries ago, is located 200km off the Philippines, inside its exclusive economic zone ( EEZ ).
Beijing refuses to accept China’s broad states as being unsupported by international law in a 2016 decision by the Permanent Court of Arbitration.
The tribunal’s determination of sovereignty over the Scarborough Shoal, which it claimed was a diverse nation’s standard hunting port, was not made public.