Chinese J-16 Jet Flies Dangerously Close to Philippine Aircraft, Escalating South China Sea Tensions

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) released video footage showing a Chinese J-16 fighter jet flying dangerously close to a Philippine aircraft. The military described these maneuvers as posing an aviation safety risk and part of a recurring pattern of unsafe and coercive behavior by China towards Philippine government vessels and aircraft conducting lawful operations in the West Philippine Sea. The AFP stated that the Filipino aircrew maintained professionalism and completed their patrol safely.