US condemns dangerous manoeuvres by Chinese navy in South China Sea

MANILA – The United States condemned the “dangerous” manoeuvres of a Chinese navy helicopter that endangered the safety of a Philippine government aircraft patrolling a disputed shoal in the South China Sea, its ambassador to Manila said on Feb 19.

In a post on X, US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson also called on China “to refrain from coercive actions and settle its disputes peacefully in accordance with international law”.

The Philippines said late on Feb 18 it was “deeply disturbed” by the Chinese navy’s “unprofessional and reckless” flight actions and that it will make a diplomatic protest.

Manila’s coast guard said the Chinese navy helicopter performed dangerous flight manoeuvres when it flew close to a government aircraft conducting surveillance over the Scarborough Shoal, endangering the lives of its pilots and passengers.

Beijing disputed the Philippines’ account, saying on Feb 18 Manila’s aircraft “illegally intruded” into China’s airspace, and accused its South-east Asian neighbour of “spreading false narratives”.

Named after a British ship that was grounded on the atoll nearly three centuries ago, the Scarborough Shoal is one of the most contested maritime features in the South China Sea, where Beijing and Manila have clashed repeatedly.

“The Philippines has undeniable sovereignty and jurisdiction over Bajo de Masinloc,” its maritime council said in a statement, using Manila’s name for the shoal.

China claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, a vital waterway for more than US$3 trillion (S$4.03 trillion) of annual ship-borne commerce, putting it at odds with Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam.

A 2016 arbitration ruling invalidated China’s expansive claim, but Beijing does not recognise the decision. REUTERS