AFP denounces unsafe Chinese maneuvers amid WPS air encounter

A Chinese fighter jet executed dangerous maneuvers near a Philippine military reconnaissance plane conducting a routine maritime patrol over Bajo de Masinloc, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported Sunday.

The military confirmed that an AFP C-208 utility aircraft encountered two Chinese military aircraft Saturday while patrolling the airspace near the disputed shoal in the West Philippine Sea.

Military officials identified one of the intercepting aircraft as a Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force J-16 multirole fighter.

According to the AFP, the J-16 repeatedly executed aggressive close-range approaches, flying directly ahead of and around the propeller-driven Philippine aircraft and positioning itself within the plane’s wake turbulence.

Military officials condemned the maneuvers, stating that the intercept posed severe aviation safety risks and formed part of a persistent pattern of unsafe and coercive conduct targeting Philippine government vessels and aircraft operating in international airspace.

"The AFP will continue to document and expose such actions that place Philippine personnel and assets at unnecessary risk," the military said in a statement.

Despite the high-altitude friction, the Philippine aircrew maintained professional flight discipline, followed standard aviation safety procedures, and completed the maritime reconnaissance mission before returning safely to base without further incident.

The military reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining regular aerial and maritime patrols across the country's exclusive economic zone, emphasizing that field commanders will continue prioritizing force protection while upholding national sovereign rights.