MANILA, Philippines — A Chinese J-16 fighter aircraft repeatedly made close approaches and maneuvers around a Philippine military aircraft conducting a patrol over Bajo de Masinloc, an area within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Monday.
The AFP said an Air Force C-208 aircraft conducting a routine maritime patrol in the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc on Oct. 3 encountered two Chinese military aircraft, one of which was identified as a J-16 fighter.
“During the encounter, the J-16 repeatedly approached and maneuvered in close proximity to the Philippine aircraft,” the AFP said.
The Chinese fighter maneuvered ahead of and around the Philippine aircraft and positioned itself within the aircraft’s wake.
“These maneuvers posed an aviation safety risk,” it said.
The incident was part of what the AFP described as a recurring pattern of “unsafe and coercive behavior” against Philippine government vessels and aircraft conducting lawful operations.
The AFP said it would continue to document and expose such actions, which it said placed Philippine personnel and assets at unnecessary risk.
Despite the encounter, the Philippine aircraft was able to complete its assigned maritime patrol.
The AFP said its crew remained professional and exercised due caution in accordance with established aviation procedures.
“The AFP will continue to conduct routine maritime and air patrols in the West Philippine Sea,” it said, adding that it remained vigilant and would prioritize the safety of its personnel and aircraft while carrying out its mandate.
