Chinese military helicopter conducts dangerous flyby near Philippines' BFAR plane at Bajo de Masinloc

A Chinese military helicopter conducted dangerous maneuvers near a Philippine aircraft over Bajo de Masinloc on Tuesday morning, prompting immediate condemnation from the US Embassy, US State Department, and New Zealand Embassy.

The incident occurred around 7 a.m. when a BFAR aircraft was conducting a maritime domain awareness flight with journalists aboard.

A PLA-Navy Harbin Z-9 helicopter flew as close as three meters above the BFAR aircraft, violating ICAO standards and creating turbulent propeller wash that nearly destabilized one of the wings of the BFAR plane.

US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce condemned China's actions on Thursday, calling for Beijing to refrain from coercive activities and settle disputes peacefully under international law.

New Zealand called the incident 'concerning' and warned it poses risks undermining regional stability.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) condemned the dangerous maneuvers on Wednesday, stating that this was the first time a PLAN helicopter had been used against a Philippine patrol plane in such a manner.

One of the Filipino pilots issued a radio warning to the Chinese aircraft: 'You are flying too close, you are very dangerous.'