Washington D.C: The United States Department of State has labeled China's recent flight maneuvers against a Filipino aircraft as 'reckless' and a 'threat' to navigation and overflight in the South China Sea. The incident involved a People's Liberation Army Navy helicopter, identified by tail number 68, which performed dangerous maneuvers towards a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources aircraft during a maritime domain awareness flight over Scarborough Shoal.

According to Philippines News Agency, this incident follows another where a Chinese fighter jet released flares near an Australian aircraft conducting a routine maritime patrol in the South China Sea. In response to these actions, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce affirmed that the United States would maintain its support for regional allies, including the Philippines. She emphasized that Washington D.C. stands with Manila in condemning the Chinese PLA Navy's interference with maritime air operations.

Tammy Bruce further stated, "Reckless Chinese actions such as these are a threat to navigation and overflight in the South China Sea, and we will continue to support our allies and partners to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific." She called on China to avoid coercive actions and resolve disputes peacefully in line with international law.

Additionally, Bruce reiterated that the 1951 US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty covers armed attacks on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft, including those of its Coast Guard, throughout the South China Sea. In a separate statement, European Union Ambassador to the Philippines Massimo Santoro expressed 'deep concern' over the incident, noting that such maneuvers violate International Civil Aviation Organization regulations and endanger lives. He asserted that the EU supports the Philippines in upholding international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 Arbitral Awards on the South China Sea.