China's Fighter Jet Strikes Philippine Patrol Plane Over Scarborough Shoal

JAKARTA - Chinese fighter jets "intercepted" Philippine aircraft carrying journalists on patrol flights over the Scarborough Shoal on Wednesday.

The incident came days after two Chinese ships collided in the region while trying to block a Philippine supply mission.

A Reuters journalist on a Philippine Coast Guard plane watched the Chinese warplane approach the small Cessna Caravan turboprop plane.

At one point, the Chinese fighter was within about 200 feet (61 meters) while maneuvering behind, above, and beside the plane, PCG spokesman Jay Tarriela said.

This is the latest sign of the ongoing tension between the two countries in China's disputed South Sea atoll.

"While they were flying, they were intercepted by Chinese fighter jets," Tarriela told a news conference.

The meeting lasted 20 minutes. During that time, the cockpit could hear radio orders from one of the two Chinese naval vessels seen below, ordering Philippine aircraft to "soon go".

On the same day, two US warships USS Cincinnati's coastal warships and the destroyer USS aircraft were seen about 30 nautical miles from the Scarborough Shoal.

The Chinese military claims to have "expelled" US destroyers after entering the region without permission, but Washington says its ships are carrying out legitimate navigational freedom operations.

Located 200 km (124 miles) from the Philippines and within its exclusive economic zone, Scarborough Shoal is appreciated for its rich fishing area and protected lagoon.

PCG on Monday sent three ships to carry supplies to dozens of Filipino fishermen on the atoll.

Chinese ships then intervened to carry out what they called a "dangerous" attempt to prevent shipments, which led to the first known collision between two Chinese ships in the region.

China has not confirmed whether any of the crew were injured, and ignored offers of medical assistance and rescue from Manila.

Neither China's Ministry of Defense nor its embassy in Manila have commented on the incident.

Meanwhile, China's coast guard said it had taken the necessary steps to expel Philippine ships from the waters around the Scarborough Shoal.