A Chinese navy warship issued series of radio challenges to a Philippine government aircraft conducting a maritime patrol over Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) in the West Philippine Sea on Monday.
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) reported that its Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX was flying approximately 25 miles southwest of the shoal when it was hailed by a People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessel with bow number 174.
According to BFAR officials, the Chinese vessel used radio frequencies to demand the Philippine aircraft leave the area, claiming sovereignty over the waters.Â
The Philippine pilots responded by asserting that they were conducting a routine patrol within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and proceeded with the mission despite the interference.
The incident occurred during a mission aimed at monitoring the presence of Filipino fishing boats and documenting any foreign maritime activity in the vicinity of the shoal, which remains a flashpoint of regional tension.
The Philippine government has consistently maintained that Bajo de Masinloc is an integral part of its territory, citing the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling that invalidated China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea.Â
Beijing, however, continues to ignore the ruling and maintains a constant coast guard and naval presence in the area.
No dangerous maneuvers or physical interceptions were reported during the encounter, and the BFAR aircraft returned safely to its base after completing the surveillance flight.
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