The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported that a Philippine Navy vessel was subjected to aggressive and dangerous maneuvers by two Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA-N) ships, located approximately 11.8 nautical miles southeast of Bajo de Masinloc.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday morning, the AFP reported that the BRP Emilio Jacinto (PS35) was subjected to dangerous maneuvers while conducting routine and lawful maritime patrol operations in support of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on May 5.
The People’s Liberation Army Navy Frigate 554 was seen closely trailing the Philippine ship, while another Chinese warship, 573, suddenly cut across the path of the BRP Emilio Jacinto.
Furthermore, a Chinese Coast Guard vessel reportedly made an attempt to block the Philippine Navy corvette's route during the same encounter.
The AFP warned that the incident involving naval vessels from both countries could lead to heightened tensions.
"These reckless actions not only posed a direct threat to the safety of navigation of PS35, but also violated the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs)," the AFP said in its statement.
"The Armed Forces of the Philippines expresses its serious concern over these irresponsible actions by Chinese maritime forces. Such threatening and provocative conduct can lead to misunderstanding that may escalate tensions and impact regional stability," it further read.
During a recent forum organized by the Stratbase ADR Institute, it was revealed that the number of Chinese vessels within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) continues to increase.
The National Security Council (NSC) earlier reiterated that any attempt to build an artificial island in the said fishing ground will be considered a ‘red line’ by the Philippine government.
