On Wednesday, the Philippines reported that a Chinese helicopter approached and shadowed its fisheries bureau's aircraft while it was on patrol near disputed Scarborough Shoal. This is yet another confrontation between two countries in an intense dispute over territory.

The Philippine National Security Council said that the incident occurred on Monday, and their aircraft was still in a position to complete its mission. The Chinese embassy in Manila didn't immediately respond to an inquiry for comment.

The latest of a series of air and water encounters between China and the United States over the South China Sea's disputed areas, including Scarborough Shoal. This is one of Asia's contested features that has been occupied for more than 10 years by China's Coast Guard.

In a press release, the NSC stated that China's actions were in violation of air safety regulations.

According to its interpretation of ancient maps, China claims nearly the entire South China Sea. This includes the Scarborough Shoal which is coveted for the abundance of fish and the stunning turquoise lagoon.

The shoal is 200 km away from the Philippines in its exclusive economic zones (EEZ). It was named after an old British ship that became stuck on it.

Beijing has refused to acknowledge a 2016 ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration that found China's broad claims did not support international law.

The tribunal didn't determine sovereignty over Scarborough Shoal which, it claimed, was a fishing ground that is used by several countries.

CHINESE "INTERFERENCE"

Separately on Wednesday, the Philippine Defence Minister told China to withdraw vessels within its Exclusive Economic Zone and accused Beijing that it was trying to interfere in its defense activities, which included its use of an American mid-range missile for training.

Reports last week stated that the United States does not have immediate plans to remove the missile system. This system can be fitted with cruise missiles capable hitting Chinese targets.

Gilberto Teodoro, Defence Secretary, told reporters: "China says they are alarmed but this is interference in our internal affairs."

Why don't they set an example? Destroy the nuclear arsenal. Take away all of their ballistic missile capability. Get out of West Philippine Sea and Mischief Reef," he said, referring to both the Philippine EEZ as well as a militarised, man-made island there built by China.

China expressed its concern about the deployment of Typhon in the Philippines and accused Washington of fueling an arms race.

Romeo Brawner, the Philippine military chief said on Wednesday that if it were up to him, he would keep the Typhons in the Philippines for ever. (Reporting and editing by Karen Lema)

(source: Reuters)