The Philippine government has strongly denounced China after one of its helicopters flew dangerously close to a Philippine aircraft conducting a routine patrol in the disputed Bajo de Masinloc (Panatag Shoal) in the West Philippine Sea. The National Maritime Council (NMC) called China's actions 'unprofessional and reckless,' emphasizing the endangerment of pilots and passengers aboard the Philippine aircraft. The incident has further escalated tensions in the region, with the Philippines reiterating its sovereignty over the area and urging China to respect international law and engage in peaceful dispute resolution.
THE Philippine government slammed China over the “unprofessional and reckless”actions of one of its helicopters, which flew dangerously close to a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources light aircraft conducting a routine patrol over Bajo de Masinloc on Tuesday, February 18, 2025.
“The Philippines will not waver in its duty to safeguard its maritime interests over the shoal, in accordance with Republic Act 12064 or the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and international law, particularly Unclos and the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award. The Philippine government will also issue a formal diplomatic protest on this grave incident,” it said.“The Philippines is committed to the rule of law and will always uphold international law.
Geopolitics CHINA PHILIPPINES WEST PHILIPPINE SEA DISPUTE INTERNATIONAL LAW
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