Chinese frigates perform ‘aggressive’ maneuvers on PH warship

Chinese frigate BN 554 is seen tailing BRP Emilio Jacinto at close range off Panatag or Scarborough Shoal on May 5, 2025. — Screengrab from Armed Forces of the Philippines photo

MANILA, Philippines — A Philippine Navy corvette patrolling off Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea was subjected to what the military deemed as “aggressive” and “unsafe” maneuvers of Chinese naval frigates as well as its coast guard vessels.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday said BRP Emilio Jacinto (PS35) encountered “aggressive and unsafe maneuvers” by two People’s Liberation-Army Navy (PLA-N) vessels Jiangkai II-class frigates (Type 054A) with bow numbers 554 and 573, and a China Coast Guard vessel with bow number 5403.

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BRP Emilio Jacinto was conducting patrol along with vessels of Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and Philippine Coast Guard on Monday, May 5, when the incident occurred approximately 11.8 nautical miles southeast off Scarborough Shoal.

“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,” said AFP public affairs chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad in a statement. “China Coast Guard vessel 5403 also attempted to obstruct PS35’s navigational path.”/das