The Philippine Navy deployed two vessels to intercept and monitor a Chinese warship discovered loitering within the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) off the coast of Zambales, military officials confirmed Wednesday.
The Northern Luzon Naval Command (NLNC) reported that a People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) Jiangkai II–class frigate, identified by bow number 569, was sighted on Dec. 17 approximately 41 nautical miles southwest of Capones Island.
In response to the sighting, the Navy initially dispatched the BRP Emilio Jacinto (PS-35) to conduct maritime patrols and verify the presence of the foreign vessel. Following confirmation, the BRP Diego Silang (FFG-07) was also deployed to the area.
According to the NLNC, Philippine personnel issued “repeated radio challenges” to the Chinese frigate, citing the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The military noted that the PLAN vessel had been loitering in Philippine waters without clarifying its intentions or purpose.
“The foreign warship is currently being escorted in a controlled and non-escalatory manner,” the NLNC said in a statement.
The command emphasized that the deployment is part of routine maritime security operations intended to protect national sovereignty and enhance maritime domain awareness.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining freedom of navigation and stability within its maritime domain in accordance with international law.
The incident follows a pattern of increasing maritime friction in the region, as the Philippine Navy continues to report the presence of dozens of Chinese coast guard and naval vessels within the West Philippine Sea.
