The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday, June 7, said that they have spotted the presence of Chinese warships cruising across the Basilan Strait.
“The AFP, through the Naval Forces Western Mindanao monitored the presence of two PLA Navy vessels—a training ship with bow number 83 and an amphibious transport dock with bow number 999—passing through the Basilan Strait within the Zamboanga Peninsula,” the military said in a statement.
“In accordance with standard operating procedure, the AFP dispatched BRP Domingo Deluana (PG905) to shadow and monitor the passage of the two PLA Navy vessels,” the AFP added.
The vessel also issued standard radio challenges to the Chinese Navy vessels asking what their intentions were in the area.
According to the AFP, one of the vessels, Qi Jiquang (BN 83), responded that it was conducting normal navigation from its last port of call in Dili, Timor-Leste en route to Dalian, China.
The Basilan Strait is recognized as an international sea lane, which allows innocent passage of vessels from various nations.
