West Philippine Sea: 4 Chinese warships monitored off Balabac, Palawan
MANILA, Philippines — Four Chinese Navy warships were monitored in Balabac Strait off Palawan on Wednesday afternoon, according to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
AFP public affairs chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad, however, quickly clarified that the maritime area is a common passage of international vessels.
Balabac Strait connects the West Philippine Sea with the Sulu Sea.
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Video footage of the warships’ presence made rounds on social media on Thursday evening.
Article continues after this advertisementThe People’s Liberation Army-Navy (PLA-N) vessels were monitored transiting 12 nautical miles off Palawan.
Article continues after this advertisementPLA-N destroyer Luyang III and the frigate Jiangkai II were spotted at 3:56 p.m., moving at a speed of 13 knots, both heading southwest.
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Two other PLA-N ships—destroyer Renhai and the replenishment oiler Fuchi—were later monitored at 3:56 p.m. moving at a speed of 15 knots, also heading southwest.
Trinidad said AFP ships sent a radio challenge, and the four warships “responded accordingly”.
“As part of standard operating procedure, these vessels were challenged and they responded accordingly,” Trinidad said in a statement.
Trinidad also clarified: “Said area is commonly used by international vessels passing through our waters.”
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