Philippine Military Reports Close Encounter with Chinese Fighter Near Bajo de Masinloc

On October 3, a Philippine C‑208 maritime patrol aircraft operating near Bajo de Masinloc, a high‑tide elevation within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, was repeatedly approached and maneuvered around by a Chinese J‑16 fighter. The Philippine Armed Forces said the Chinese aircraft positioned itself in the wake of the C‑208, creating an aviation safety risk. No casualties were reported and the Philippine aircraft completed its mission. AFP officials described the incident as part of a recurring pattern of unsafe and coercive behaviour by Chinese forces that have routinely harassed Philippine vessels and aircraft in the West Philippine Sea since 2012. The military pledged to continue documenting such actions and to maintain routine patrols while prioritising personnel safety. The dispute over Bajo de Masinloc stems from overlapping sovereignty claims, with China controlling the shoal since 2012 and the Philippines asserting its EEZ rights following the 2016 arbitral award that invalidated China’s historical claims.