The Philippine coast guard accused the Chinese navy of performing dangerous flight manoeuvres on Tuesday (Feb 18) when it flew close to a government aircraft patrolling a disputed shoal in the South China Sea.

The Philippines said a Chinese Navy helicopter carried out “dangerous flight maneuvers” near its own aircraft over the South China Sea.

Tensions rise as a Chinese navy helicopter flew dangerously close to a Philippine aircraft, prompting immediate warnings from Filipino pilots. The incident has sparked strong condemnation from the Philippines,

Manila has accused Beijing of operating "dangerous" and "reckless" flight maneuvers, after a Chinese Navy helicopter came within ten feet of a Filipino flight.