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Saturday, May 17, 2025
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Chinese Vessels Engage in Aggressive Maneuvers Near Philippine Navy in Bajo de Masinloc
Armed Forces of the Philippines raises concerns over unsafe actions by Chinese maritime forces in disputed waters.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported on May 8 that Chinese vessels engaged in aggressive and unsafe maneuvers while Philippine vessels conducted routine patrols in Bajo de Masinloc, a region within the West Philippine Sea.
The AFP's statement followed an incident that occurred on May 5 when the Philippine Navy vessel BRP Emilio Jacinto (PS35) was on a mission supporting the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and the Philippine Coast Guard.
During the patrol, approximately 11.8 nautical miles southeast of Bajo de Masinloc, two vessels identified as Jiangkai II-class frigates (Type 054A) with bow numbers 554 and 573 were reportedly tracking the Philippine Navy ship closely, with one frigate tailing PS35 at a close range and another crossing its bow, which posed a collision risk.
Additionally, a China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel numbered 5403 attempted to obstruct the Philippine Navy patrol boat.
In response to these actions, the AFP expressed serious concern about the potential for miscommunication that could escalate tensions and impact regional stability.
The military reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the Philippines' sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in its maritime domain, in alignment with international law and domestic regulations.
The incidents highlight ongoing tensions in the region, as China has been accused of encroaching on Philippine waters, a situation that persists nearly a decade after the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in favor of the Philippines in 2016, invalidating China's extensive claims over the West Philippine Sea.
Despite the court ruling, China has not recognized the decision and continues to deploy maritime assets in the contested waters.
The AFP's statement followed an incident that occurred on May 5 when the Philippine Navy vessel BRP Emilio Jacinto (PS35) was on a mission supporting the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and the Philippine Coast Guard.
During the patrol, approximately 11.8 nautical miles southeast of Bajo de Masinloc, two vessels identified as Jiangkai II-class frigates (Type 054A) with bow numbers 554 and 573 were reportedly tracking the Philippine Navy ship closely, with one frigate tailing PS35 at a close range and another crossing its bow, which posed a collision risk.
Additionally, a China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel numbered 5403 attempted to obstruct the Philippine Navy patrol boat.
In response to these actions, the AFP expressed serious concern about the potential for miscommunication that could escalate tensions and impact regional stability.
The military reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the Philippines' sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in its maritime domain, in alignment with international law and domestic regulations.
The incidents highlight ongoing tensions in the region, as China has been accused of encroaching on Philippine waters, a situation that persists nearly a decade after the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in favor of the Philippines in 2016, invalidating China's extensive claims over the West Philippine Sea.
Despite the court ruling, China has not recognized the decision and continues to deploy maritime assets in the contested waters.
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