A Chinese military helicopter flew within 10 feet (3 meters) of a Philippine patrol plane over the South China Sea on Tuesday, in what observers said was the second incident of potentially catastrophic behavior by the People’s Liberation Army against foreign aircraft in a week.

A Philippine plane warned a Chinese military helicopter over the South China Sea that it was "flying too close," as tension between the U.S. ally and Beijing soars.

The United Kingdom has reaffirmed its support for the Philippines’ policy and position on dealing with issues in the South China Sea amid Chinese aggression. During his recent visit to London, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo met with UK National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell,