The Philippine Navy issued a warning to its Chinese counterpart against unauthorized maritime authorities in Bajo de Masinloc, a perennial flashpoint in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
According to the Philippine Navy, its Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) through the Naval Forces Northern Luzon (NFNL) on Monday conducted regular maritime and sovereignty patrol and monitored the presence of China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA-N) ships in WPS.
While conducting patrols at approximately 57 nautical miles southeast of Bajo de Masinloc, BRP Jose Rizal (FF150) warned off and issued consecutive radio challenges to three (3) China PLA-N ships spotted in the area.
One of the said PLA-N was identified as the guided missile Jiangkai II Class Frigate ‘Dali’ (FFG-553).
“The presence of the PLA-N in the area reflects the People’s Republic of China’s complete disregard for international law and undermines the peace and stability in the region,” the Philippine Navy said.
The Navy added that its NFNL, in support of the NOLCOM, stands firm in conducting lawful maritime operations. This includes exposing and challenging the illegal presence of Chinese vessels within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
Earlier, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) through its BRP Teresa Magbanua drove Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessel 5901, also known as the ‘monster ship,’ further away from the Zambales coastline.
The two China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels, previously monitored near Bolinao, Pangasinan, have exited the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ), the PCG also said.
In a statement, PCG Spokesperson for West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela reported that the PCG vessel BRP Cabra closely monitored the Chinese ships identified by bow numbers 3301 and 3104.
Tarriela said the PCG ship issued radio challenges to the Chinese vessels to call out their absence of legal authority to patrol the area as stipulated by the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and the 2016 Arbitral Award.
As of 7 a.m., Tarriela reported that CCG vessels 3301 and 3104 were positioned 61 nautical miles and 81 nautical miles away from Guangdong Province, China, respectively.
“The PCG remains unwavering in its commitment to uphold the nation’s maritime rights and safeguard national interests in the WPS, ensuring a vigilant approach without escalating tensions,” Tarriela said.
The two Chinese vessels were seen 34 nautical miles or 63 kilometers from shore of Bolinao, Pangasinan on Sunday—the closest approach of the CCG to the Philippine land. The next day, the vessels moved to 70 to 75 nautical miles from Luna, La Union Province.
The Philippines and the United States Air Forces meanwhile held joint patrols over the South China Sea, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) said Tuesday.
The one-day exercise was being carried out in the WPS, Air Force spokesperson Col. Maria Consuelo Castillo said.
“This exercise is a crucial step in enhancing our interoperability, improving air domain awareness and agile combat employment, and supporting our shared bilateral objectives,” she added.
Castillo said, two of the Philippines’ FA-50 fighter jets, along with two U.S. B1-B bombers, were participating in the joint exercises.
The exercise commenced at noon and is set to conclude in the afternoon, with participants gathering off the west coast of the Philippines.
According to Castillo, the training will include flights over the West Philippine Sea, including a section near Bajo de Masinloc. She clarified that the exercises are part of regular training activities.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Philippine Navy warns China’s PLAN ships at Bajo de Masinloc.”