Chinese jets tail PCG aircraft near Bajo de Masinloc

A Chinese fighter jet and helicopter dangerously tailed a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) aircraft for over 20 minutes during a maritime domain awareness flight near Bajo de Masinloc Shoal.

The Chinese fighter jet flew as close as 500 meters from the PCG aircraft, an encounter described as "dangerous" by PCG spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela.

Commodore Tarriela emphasized that such actions by Chinese forces should not be directed towards a PCG aircraft conducting patrols within Philippine sovereignty.

A PLA Navy warship with bow number 552 also repeatedly challenged the PCG aircraft.

This incident occurred during a PCG operation where another buoy was found at the northern tip of Bajo de Masinloc Shoal, following the discovery of a similar buoy the previous day.

A structure was also observed in the area, with historical satellite imagery suggesting it has been present for at least two years without recent construction.