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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Three Chinese navy, coast guard vessels harass PH warship

Three Chinese navy, coast guard vessels harass PH warship

Published May 8, 2025 09:41 am

At A Glance

  • The Philippine Navy's BRP Emilio Jacinto (PS35) was conducting routine maritime patrols on May 5 when two Chinese navy and a coast guard vessel started harassing it approximately 11.8 nautical miles southeast of Bajo de Masinloc, or the Scarborough Shoal. 

Three Chinese navy and coast guard vessels harassed a Philippine Navy ship that almost resulted in collision around 11 nautical miles off the Bajo de Masinloc, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) disclosed on Thursday, May 8.

“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,” the AFP statement read.

The AFP said the Philippine Navy’s BRP Emilio Jacinto (PS35) was conducting routine maritime patrols on May 5 when two Chinese navy and a coast guard vessel started harassing it approximately 11.8 nautical miles southeast of Bajo de Masinloc, or the Scarborough Shoal. 

It said the Chinese frigate BN 554 was documented tailing PS35 at close range while BN 573 dangerously crossed its bow in a high-risk maneuver that created the danger of collision. 

China Coast Guard vessel 5403, on the other hand, also attempted to obstruct BRP Emilio Jacinto navigational path. 

“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 statement read.

The military, on the other hand, lauded the display of professionalism, discipline and restraint of the Philippine Navy personnel aboard BRP Emilio Jacinto. 

The Philippines is locked in a maritime dispute with China, with the latter continuously flexing its muscles using its claim of almost the entire South China Sea, a claim that was rejected by the United Nations tribunal in a case filed and won by the Philippine government.

Philippine vessels, mostly from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) were repeatedly harassed by Chinese coast guards and militias, including the use of water cannons.

Despite the incidents, the AFP vowed to continue conducting routine patrols.

The AFP remains steadfast in defending the sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction of the Philippines in its vast maritime domain, including its territorial seas in the West Philippine Sea, in accordance with international and domestic law and in pursuit of the rules-based order in the maritime domain,” the statement read.

Currently, the Philippine government is aggressively pushing for military modernization, including the planned purchase of more large patrol vessels and fighter jets. 

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