TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Thursday said it was seriously concerned about a Chinese military helicopter's close flyby of a Philippine government aircraft over the South China Sea Tuesday.

The ministry said a People’s Liberation Army Navy helicopter flew dangerous maneuvers near Renai Shoal in the South China Sea, approaching within 3 meters of a Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources patrol aircraft on an aerial patrol. 

This incident follows a Feb. 11 encounter when a PLA Air Force J-16 fighter dropped flares in front of an Australian P-8A Poseidon surveillance aircraft in the South China Sea, per ASPI. The ministry condemned “China’s unsafe, irresponsible, and reckless provocative behavior, which threatens the safety of navigation and overflight.”

MOFA expressed serious concern over the South China Sea dispute and urged all parties to exercise restraint. The ministry said the South China Sea issue should be addressed through multilateral dialogue and dispute resolution mechanisms.

The ministry reiterated Taiwan’s position on the South China Sea:

1. The South China Sea islands belong to Taiwan under international law and the law of the sea.

2. Taiwan supports freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea and insists on the peaceful resolution of disputes under international law. Taiwan should not be excluded from multilateral dialogues.

3. Taiwan adheres to the “Four Principles and Five Actions” and is willing to work with countries by "shelving disputes and pursuing joint development.”