The Philippines has accused a Chinese navy helicopter of flying within three metres of one of their own government aircrafts, which was patrolling a disputed section of the South China Sea.
The incident occurred on Tuesday and was described by the Philippine coast guard as flying “dangerously” close.
However, China has denied this and accused the Philippines of “spreading false narratives”.
This new incident occurred just an “unsafe and unprofessional interaction” involving a Chinese J-16 fighter aircraft and Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon aircraft.
The Australian plane was patrolling over the Paracel islands in the South China Sea when the jet from the People's Liberation Army released flares within a distance of 30 metres.
Chinese defence ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang hit back, accusing Australia of inventing a “false narrative”.
“We urge Australia to abandon its illusion of speculation and adventure.”