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 clai...