Foreign missions express concern over dangerous Chinese chopper near Scarborough Shoal

Several foreign missions in the Philippines have expressed concern over an incident at Scarborough Shoal where a Chinese Navy helicopter flew dangerously close to a Filipino aircraft on February 18.

Embassies from Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Denmark, and the United States, along with the European Union Delegation in Manila, have conveyed their worries.

The UK Ambassador Laure Beaufils expressed deep concern over the incident, stating that such behavior increases the risk of miscalculation and endangers lives.

South Korea's embassy shared similar concerns, noting that China's actions jeopardize Filipino personnel and violate international norms.

Australian Ambassador HK Yu highlighted the risks of accidents due to such conduct and stressed the importance of resolving disputes peacefully under international law.

Denmark's ambassador also voiced deep concern over China's aerial maneuvers in the West Philippine Sea, calling for respect for freedom of the skies and UNCLOS.

The United States government has also criticized earlier the Chinese chopper's actions and called on China to settle disputes in the West Philippine Sea 'peacefully in accordance with international law.'