Chinese ships spotted near US, PH vessels during maritime exercise

JOINT PATROL Philippine and American vessels sail in formation during the “maritime cooperative activity” between the Philippines and the United States in the West Philippine Sea on Jan. 17, 2025. —PHOTO COURTESY OF PAOAFP

MANILA, Philippines — The presence of Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy vessels was monitored during the Maritime Multilateral Exercise (MME) of this year’s war games between Manila and Washington, according to the Philippine Navy (PN).

In a statement on Sunday, the Navy said PLA Navy ships were spotted near Philippine and allied ships participating in the MME on Saturday, April 26, about 60 nautical miles west of Palauig, Zambales.

“The Chinese vessels included a Jiangkai II-class frigate with bow number 579, a vessel with bow number 500, and the Dongdiao II-class auxiliary surveillance ship with bow number 797,” the PN said.

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Despite the presence of PLA Navy vessels, the PN said “training activities proceeded without disruption.”

“BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS16) and BRP Apolinario Mabini (PS36) continued their operations as planned. The activities of the Chinese naval vessels have been addressed in accordance with international law and protocols, and Philippine Navy ships remain focused on their training objectives alongside our allies,” it added.

Meanwhile, BRP Ramon Alcaraz has continuously monitored the presence and activities of the PLA Navy vessels, which provides regular updates to Higher Headquarters and the Balikatan Exercise Directorate.