The Philippines has accused a Chinese Navy helicopter of harassing Filipino fishing boats near Iroquois Reef in the disputed South China Sea, escalating tensions in the strategically vital waterway, Bloomberg reports.
Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Jay Tarriela released images on X (formerly Twitter) which he claims depict a People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) helicopter engaging in harassing behavior towards Filipino fishing vessels. In response, the Coast Guard dispatched two ships to the area to ensure the safety of the fishermen.
However, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian dismissed the Philippine allegations at a press conference in Beijing on Monday. He asserted that China’s actions in the area were “reasonable and lawful,” reiterating China’s claims to sovereignty over much of the South China Sea.
The incident underscores the ongoing conflict between Beijing and Manila over the South China Sea, a region crucial for global trade and possessing significant energy resources. The conflicting claims over islands, reefs, and maritime territories continue to be a major source of friction.
Adding to the regional security concerns, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed worry on Monday about reports of a Russian submarine operating in Philippine waters. The nature of the Russian submarine’s presence and its purpose remain unclear. However, the report further complicates the already tense geopolitical landscape in the region. The Philippine government is reportedly investigating the matter.
