The United States voiced its support for the Philippines in a statement released by the US Department of State on Wednesday, 19 February (20 February, Philippine time). 

This followed a dangerous encounter between a Chinese People’s Liberation Army-Navy helicopter and a Philippine aircraft conducting a routine maritime operation near Scarborough Reef. The Chinese helicopter came alarmingly close to the Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources plane, approaching within just three meters, creating a serious risk to the safety of both the aircraft and its crew.

This incident came just days after another aggressive act by China. On February 11, an Australian aircraft carrying out a routine maritime patrol was subjected to a similarly reckless maneuver by Chinese forces.

The United States condemned the actions of the Chinese military, describing them as unsafe, unprofessional, and reckless.

“Reckless Chinese actions such as these are a threat to navigation and overflight in the South China Sea, and we will continue to support our allies and partners to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific,” the statement read. 

The US also urged China to refrain from coercive actions and resolve disputes peacefully, in line with international law.

Under the 1951 United States-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty, the US is obligated to defend the Philippines if its forces, public vessels, or aircraft — including the Coast Guard — are attacked.

This commitment extends to the South China Sea, a region marked by ongoing territorial disputes and heightened tensions.