Tuesday saw tensions in the South China Sea spike further as a Chinese navy helicopter flew just 3 meters from a Philippine patrol plane over the hotly disputed Scarborough Shoal. The near miss proved too much for the Filipino pilot, who radioed an urgent “You are too close, very dangerous!” The sole purpose of the Cessna Caravan turboprop which is operated by the Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) was a routine patrol when a Chinese military aircraft reversed it into what it says belongs to it airspace.
The pressure was on when a Cessna Caravan turboprop lone float plane operated by the Philippine’s Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources(BFAR) was hit by the Chinese military aircraft as it is trying to force it out of what it claims as its air space.
The Philippine aircraft tactfully withdrew from the area despite the aggression – allegedly manipulation by it being directly below or above the other nations aircraft, as the Chinese helicopter hovered. 
A journalist from AP (and foreign media) on board observed the 30-minute showdown between the jet and the Chinese boat which either dropped down on top of it or flew alongside itFor its part, the Filipino pilot cited international norms in air safety for Chinese aircraft to give more space.
The Philippine Coast Guard and BFAR again pledged to protect Philippine waters, after a flashing round of condemnation over how “aggressive and escalatory” the Chinese have been.
But China’s military said on Thursday that the Philippines “pilot illegally entered the air defense zone of China” defence answer such grappling for words.
This is the latest aerial skirmish in an ongoing territorial standoff with China, Vietnam and Malaysia as well Brunei and Taiwan have disputed areas in which they claim passage rights over South China sea.
These clashes between Chinese and Philippine forces have steadily increased over the years, particularly in vicinity of Scarborough as well as Second Thomas Shoal.
While diplomatic frictions are mounting, Philippines beefs up security pact with U.S., Japan and Australia/EU & China accuses all foreign powers to interfere.
This incident underscores the increasing volatility in the region, raising concerns over potential escalation into a larger conflict.
