Chinese fighter jet 'Intercepts' Philippine plane in disputed area

A Chinese jet fighter "intercepted" a Philippine aircraft carrying journalists during a patrol flight over the Scarborough Shoal on Aug 13, the Manila government said, days after two Chinese vessels collided in the area while allegedly trying to block a Philippine supply mission.

- 

OVER THE SCARBOROUGH SHOAL, South China Sea -

A Reuters journalist aboard the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) flight watched as the Chinese fighter closed in on the small Cessna Caravan turboprop.

At one point, the Chinese fighter came within about 60m as it manoeuvred behind, above and alongside the plane, PCG spokesman Jay Tarriela said.

It was the latest sign of the persistent tensions between the two nations in the disputed South China Sea atoll.

"While they were conducting the flight, they were intercepted by a Chinese fighter jet," Mr Tarriela told a press conference later.