US State Dept condemns Chinese helicopter's close approach to PH plane

The US Department of State condemned the dangerous flight maneuvers of a Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy helicopter, identified by tail number 68, which flew as close as three meters to a Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources aircraft near Scarborough Shoal.

US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce described the actions as "reckless" and a "threat" to navigation and overflight in the South China Sea.

The US affirmed that it stands with Manila in condemning the Chinese PLA Navy for interfering with its maritime air operation.

She stated that the United States will continue to support its allies and partners, including the Philippines, to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.

The US urged China to refrain from coercive actions and to settle disputes peacefully in accordance with international law.

The State Department reiterated that the Mutual Defense Treaty covers all Philippine armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft anywhere in the South China Sea.

This incident follows a separate unsafe maneuver by China on February 11 that endangered an Australian aircraft.