The Philippines said a Chinese Navy helicopter carried out “dangerous flight maneuvers” near its own aircraft over the South China Sea.

France's nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and accompanying warships were in the Philippines on Sunday after holding combat drills with Filipino forces in the disputed South China Sea in a show of firepower that would likely antagonize China.

The US has accused China of “unsafe and irresponsible” action during a close encounter between a PLA helicopter and a Philippine plane over the South China Sea on Tuesday. In a statement on Wednesday,

Journalists on the Philippines’ plane filmed the helicopter coming dangerously close. Beijing has become increasingly aggressive in the contested South China Sea.

Whatever happens in the near term, it is obvious that there is a serious arms race occurring for dominance in the South China Sea.

Despite rising maritime tensions with China, the Philippines is keeping the door open for possible joint oil and gas exploration with Beijing in the South China Sea.

The Philippines and Japan pledged to enhance their defense alliance through training exercises, logistical activities, equipment transfers and intelligence sharing on Monday amid China’s assertive moves in the South China Sea.

The Philippine coast guard on Tuesday accused a Chinese Navy helicopter of flying "dangerously" close to its patrol plane on Tuesday in a disputed area of the South China Sea.