A Chinese military helicopter closely trailed and followed a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) aircraft while it was conducting aerial surveillance over the Panatag Shoal, which falls within the Philippines’ 200 nautical miles exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
During a press briefing today, Philippine Navy Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, described the maneuver as dangerous and unprofessional.
He left it to BFAR to release an official statement regarding the incident but stressed that such actions have no place in the aviation industry.
The Philippine Navy official further explained that flying too close to another aircraft could lead to untoward incidents, emphasizing the importance of following rules of engagement and international law to avoid such situations.
The incident occurred last Saturday when a Chinese military helicopter, identified as a Harbin Z-9, dangerously approached the BFAR aircraft.
Radio warnings were also issued by a nearby Chinese Navy warship, likely the origin of the helicopter.
In response, the BFAR aircraft pilot issued a radio warning to the Chinese military helicopter.