Chinese fighter jets intercept PCG plane near Scarborough Shoal

A Chinese fighter jet intercepted and conducted dangerous maneuvers against a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) aircraft near Scarborough Shoal on Wednesday morning.

The incident occurred around 8 a.m., with PCG personnel and journalists aboard the Cessna Caravan when the J-15 fighter jet from the People's Liberation Army Naval Air Force approached closely, coming within 500 feet laterally of the aircraft for approximately 20 minutes.

Commodore Jay Tarriela of the PCG stated that this was the first time this year they witnessed a jet fighter intercepting their routine maritime domain awareness flight and also monitored four China Coast Guard ships near Scarborough Shoal.

During the encounter, the J-15 flew directly overhead at a height of 200 feet, posing significant safety concerns for the PCG aircraft.

The Philippines asserts its rights over Scarborough Shoal, which lies within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), while China claims sovereignty based on historical maps and maintains a continuous presence in the area.