(UPDATED) A Philippine maritime aircraft was harassed by a Chinese jet fighter plane while the former was conducting a routine patrol over Bajo de Masinloc on Saturday, according to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
The AFP said in a statement that an AFP C-208 aircraft conducting a routine maritime patrol over the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc encountered two Chinese military aircraft on October 3, 2026, Saturday.
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One of the aircraft was identified as a J-16 fighter aircraft.
"During the encounter, the J-16 repeatedly approached and maneuvered in close proximity to the Philippine aircraft, including maneuvering ahead of and around it and positioning itself within the Philippine aircraft’s wake. These maneuvers posed an aviation safety risk," said the AFP.
The Armed Forces labelled the move as part of a "recurring pattern" of unsafe and coercive behavior against Philippine government vessels and aircraft conducting routine patrol lawful operations.
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"The Philippine aircrew remained professional and exercised due caution in accordance with established aviation procedures. The AFP aircraft was able to safely complete its assigned maritime patrol and return without further incident," said the AFP.
"The AFP will continue to conduct routine maritime and air patrols in the West Philippine Sea. The AFP remains vigilant and will continue to prioritize the safety of its personnel and aircraft while carrying out its mandate."
There was no immediate reaction from the Chinese government on the air incident. The Philippine government said a second confrontation occurred on Sunday in the Spratly Islands, further south in the South China Sea.
Beijing claims most of the sea despite an international ruling that its assertion has no legal basis.
The Filipino coast guard said it launched small boats to approach a fishing vessel that it accused of using dynamite to catch fish between Philippine-occupied Thitu Island and China-held Subi Reef.
Two China Coast Guard ships arrived with a Chinese navy helicopter that "circled" over the Filipino team four times.
One of the Chinese ships "shadowed and blocked the Philippine boats", and at one time came to within 10 yards (9.1 meters)" of one of them, the coast guard said.
The Filipinos stopped the pursuit "for safety reasons" and returned to Thitu, it added.
"The China Coast Guard has no law enforcement authority in the territorial sea of Pag-asa (Thitu) Island. By obstructing Philippine authorities, the CCG did not protect the marine environment. It made it easier for a suspected violator to escape," it said.
The weekend incidents came about two weeks after a China Coast Guard ship rammed a Filipino government fisheries bureau boat in another area of the Spratlys.
Beijing subsequently blamed the actions of the Philippine vessel, which it said "bears full responsibility for the incident".