The Philippine Conundrum: When Helicopters Shadow Aircraft

A Chinese military helicopter soars through the skies in this photo from April 7, 2023. (Photo credit: Greg Baker/AFP)

On Monday, a Chinese military helicopter flew dangerously close to a Philippine aircraft, the Philippine National Security Council (NSC) reported. Despite this incident, the Philippine aircraft was able to complete its mission successfully.

This encounter adds to a series of air and sea confrontations between the two nations, centered around disputed areas in the South China Sea. One of the most contentious features is the Scarborough Shoal, located about 200km off the Philippine coast within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ). It has been occupied by China’s coast guard for over a decade due to its rich fishing grounds and breathtaking turquoise lagoon.

China’s claim to the South China Sea, including the Scarborough Shoal, is based on its interpretation of ancient maps. However, a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration stated that China’s claims lacked international legal support, a decision that Beijing has refused to acknowledge.

While the tribunal did not determine sovereignty over the Scarborough Shoal, it recognized its importance as a traditional fishing ground for multiple countries.

In a separate development, the Philippine Defense Secretary, Gilberto Teodoro, demanded that China withdraw its vessels from the Philippine EEZ and cease meddling in the country’s defense activities, including the deployment of a US mid-range missile launcher for training purposes.

Reuters recently reported that the US has no immediate plans to remove the missile system, which has the capacity to launch cruise missiles capable of striking targets in China. Teodoro accused China of interfering in the Philippines’ internal affairs and urged them to set an example by dismantling their nuclear arsenal and removing their ballistic missile capabilities.

China has expressed concern over the US missile system’s presence in the Philippines, alleging that it contributes to an arms race in the region.

Meanwhile, the Philippine military chief, Romeo Brawner, expressed his desire to keep the Typhon system in the country permanently.

Tarah Nguyen
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