NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Dangerous Close Call: Chinese Navy Helicopter's Reckless Maneuvers Threaten BFAR Aircraft
Photo credit: PCG
It was supposed to be a routine mission—just another day of monitoring Philippine waters. But for the crew aboard the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) aircraft on Tuesday morning, things took a dangerous turn when a Chinese military helicopter pulled an incredibly reckless stunt.
At around 7 AM, the BFAR aircraft, accompanied by Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel and photojournalists, was conducting a Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) flight over Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal). The goal? To keep an eye on our waters and assert our country’s sovereign rights. But at 8:39 AM, an unexpected and alarming development unfolded.
A People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA-Navy) helicopter, identified by tail number 68, suddenly closed in on the BFAR aircraft, performing aggressive flight maneuvers. How close did it get? Just three meters—dangerously near to the port side and above the BFAR plane. That’s about the height of a basketball hoop!
This wasn’t just an intimidating move—it was outright dangerous. Such reckless actions violate international aviation safety regulations set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), putting lives at risk. The BFAR and PCG personnel onboard had every reason to be alarmed, as the incident could have easily escalated into a catastrophic mid-air collision.
The timing of this incident is also worth noting. Just recently, a Chinese fighter jet fired flares dangerously close to an Australian aircraft on a routine patrol in the South China Sea. These escalatory actions are raising serious concerns among global allies, with the United States and the European Union strongly condemning China’s behavior.
State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce minced no words, calling the Chinese helicopter’s actions “reckless” and a direct “threat” to the freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea. She reiterated that the U.S. stands firmly with the Philippines, reinforcing that the 1951 US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty extends to attacks on Philippine military and Coast Guard assets, including aircraft.
Meanwhile, European Union Ambassador to the Philippines Massimo Santoro also expressed deep concern, stating that such actions “unnecessarily endanger lives.” He reaffirmed the EU’s support for the Philippines in upholding international law, including the 2016 Arbitral Ruling that invalidated China’s sweeping claims over the West Philippine Sea.
Despite China’s increasing provocations, the BFAR and PCG remain steadfast in their mission to protect Philippine waters. But one thing is clear—these aggressive maneuvers are escalating tensions, and the international community is watching closely.
At around 7 AM, the BFAR aircraft, accompanied by Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel and photojournalists, was conducting a Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) flight over Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal). The goal? To keep an eye on our waters and assert our country’s sovereign rights. But at 8:39 AM, an unexpected and alarming development unfolded.
A People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA-Navy) helicopter, identified by tail number 68, suddenly closed in on the BFAR aircraft, performing aggressive flight maneuvers. How close did it get? Just three meters—dangerously near to the port side and above the BFAR plane. That’s about the height of a basketball hoop!
This wasn’t just an intimidating move—it was outright dangerous. Such reckless actions violate international aviation safety regulations set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), putting lives at risk. The BFAR and PCG personnel onboard had every reason to be alarmed, as the incident could have easily escalated into a catastrophic mid-air collision.
The timing of this incident is also worth noting. Just recently, a Chinese fighter jet fired flares dangerously close to an Australian aircraft on a routine patrol in the South China Sea. These escalatory actions are raising serious concerns among global allies, with the United States and the European Union strongly condemning China’s behavior.
State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce minced no words, calling the Chinese helicopter’s actions “reckless” and a direct “threat” to the freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea. She reiterated that the U.S. stands firmly with the Philippines, reinforcing that the 1951 US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty extends to attacks on Philippine military and Coast Guard assets, including aircraft.
Meanwhile, European Union Ambassador to the Philippines Massimo Santoro also expressed deep concern, stating that such actions “unnecessarily endanger lives.” He reaffirmed the EU’s support for the Philippines in upholding international law, including the 2016 Arbitral Ruling that invalidated China’s sweeping claims over the West Philippine Sea.
Despite China’s increasing provocations, the BFAR and PCG remain steadfast in their mission to protect Philippine waters. But one thing is clear—these aggressive maneuvers are escalating tensions, and the international community is watching closely.
Feb 20, 2025
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