The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has confirmed that two Chinese coast guard ships and two maritime militia boats disguised as fishing vessels were spotted tailing the Philippine Navy's BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS-17) recently near Panganiban (Mischief) Reef, which is within the country’s 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone.
In a statement, the PCG spokesman Armand Balilo said the country's warship was conducting a patrol and search mission on February 1 when it was monitored and tailed by the Chinese vessels near the reef.
"The Chinese Maritime Militia ‘fishing vessels/boats’ even conducted an intercept course towards the Philippine Navy warship," he said.
No other details were given, as of posting.
Tensions between Manila and Beijing have risen recently as China increases its presence in the South China Sea, with more vessels appearing off the West Philippine Sea.
This, even after President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. reached an agreement with Chinese President Xi Jin-ping during his state visit in 2022.
The US and the Philippines recently agreed to resume joint patrols in the South China Sea, a decision reached during a February 2 meeting between US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his his counterpart, Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez.
