Manila has issued a terse statement against manoeuvres carried out by a People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) Harbin Z-9 helicopter, which was said to have executed

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 Wednesday.

Disputed South China Sea airspace that Beijing claims as its own falls within Manila’s Exclusive Economic Zone, where the Philippines and other countries enjoy freedom of overflight.

Manila's coast guard said the Chinese navy helicopter performed dangerous flight maneuvers when it flew close to a government aircraft conducting surveillance over the Scarborough Shoal

Former Chinese deputy foreign minister Fu Ying says Beijing will not accept occupation of a World War II-era ship that Manila grounded in the area.

Manila says it will lodge a diplomatic protest after a Chinese helicopter came within 3 metres of a Philippine plane.

Analysts say Manila’s efforts to conclude defense treaties with allies can strengthen its ability to deter China in the disputed South China Sea

The incident marks the second confrontation this week between Manila and Beijing over disputed South China Sea islands.

Manila’s plan to acquire submarines and BrahMos missiles aims to counter Beijing’s South China Sea activities, but faces challenges in funding and readiness.

The Philippines and Japan pledged to enhance their defense alliance through training exercises, logistical activities, equipment transfers and intelligence sharing on Monday amid China’s assertive moves in the South China Sea.

Vietnam has quietly expanded its foothold in the South China Sea. Unlike with China, the rest of the region is turning a blind eye. The post Vietnam Is Also Expanding Its Foothold in the South China Sea appeared first on World Politics Review.

The South China Sea is an important shipping route that holds significant oil and gas reserves.