MANILA – The United States has condemned China’s aggressive flight maneuver against a Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) aircraft patrolling over Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal).
US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson, in a statement on X, criticized the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy helicopter’s actions, calling them a threat to safety.
“We condemn the dangerous maneuvers by a PLA Navy helicopter that endangered pilots and passengers on a Philippine air mission. We call on China to refrain from coercive actions and settle disputes peacefully in accordance with international law,” Carlson said.
Near-Collision Incident
A PLA Navy helicopter, identified by tail number 68, flew within three meters of the BFAR aircraft on Tuesday. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), whose personnel were aboard the mission along with photojournalists, said the maneuver violated international aviation regulations set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
PH Government to File Diplomatic Protest
The National Maritime Council reaffirmed the Philippines’ sovereignty over Bajo de Masinloc and vowed to continue maritime operations despite China’s “illegal, coercive, and aggressive behavior.” The government is set to lodge a formal diplomatic protest over the incident.
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MANILA – The French Navy’s aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle and its escort ships are set to visit the Philippines in February, marking a significant milestone in the growing maritime security cooperation between the two nations.
French Ambassador to the Philippines Marie Fontanel announced this at a maritime cooperation forum in Makati City, stating that the visit is in line with the 2023 defense cooperation agreement between France and the Philippines.
“This underscores France’s commitment to strengthening its involvement alongside the Philippines and will facilitate numerous joint activities with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP),” Fontanel said.
Regional Stability and Joint Exercises
The carrier group is currently participating in the Le Perouse 2025 maritime exercise, involving 13 naval vessels and over 30 aircraft from nations such as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. This multinational drill highlights maritime safety and security operations in critical trade routes and runs from January 16 to January 24.
While the AFP is not directly participating, it is engaged remotely through the IORIS, a European Union-funded communication platform designed for maritime crisis coordination and information sharing.
Fontanel reiterated that France remains committed to regional stability through its active engagement in the Indo-Pacific, citing French President Emmanuel Macron’s 2018 Indo-Pacific strategy as a framework for dialogue and dispute resolution.
Expanding Defense Collaboration
France’s presence in the Philippines has grown significantly in recent years. In 2024, France participated in the Balikatan exercises, deployed its Pegase 24 Air and Space Force to Clark Air Base, and hosted three port calls by French naval ships. Additionally, a defense mission was established in Manila last June to further bilateral engagements.
Aside from maritime security, France is also eager to collaborate with the Philippines on maritime safety and environmental protection initiatives.
The February visit of Charles de Gaulle signifies not only France’s deepening ties with the Philippines but also its broader commitment to fostering cooperation across the Indo-Pacific.
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