2 Chinese warships, 1 CCG vessel perform unsafe maneuvers vs PH ships near Bajo de Masinloc

Two Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) ships and a China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel performed aggressive and unsafe maneuvers against Philippine vessels near Bajo de Masinloc, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Thursday.

Philippine Navy’s BRP Emilio Jacinto (PS35) was conducting routine and maritime patrol operations in support of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on May 5 when PLAN’s Jiangkai II-class frigates with bow numbers 554 and 573 and CCG vessel 5403 performed aggressive and unsafe maneuvers.

“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,” the AFP said in a statement.

“China Coast Guard vessel 5403 also attempted to obstruct PS35’s navigational path,” it added. 

The incident took place around 11.8 nautical miles southeast of Bajo de Masinloc. 

Two Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy ships 554 and 573 as well as China Coast Guard ship 5403 performed aggressive, unsafe maneuvers as PH vessels conducted patrols near Bajo de Masinloc on May 5, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said Thursday. @gmanews ????: AFP pic.twitter.com/MHjDECIQ4F

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'Irresponsible'

According to the AFP, the Chinese ships’ reckless actions posed a direct threat to the Philippine Navy vessel’s safety and violated the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs). 

“The AFP expresses its serious concern over these irresponsible actions by Chinese maritime forces,” the AFP said. 

“Such threatening and provocative conduct can lead to misunderstanding that may escalate tensions and impact regional stability,” it added. 

GMA News Online has sought comment from the Chinese Embassy in Manila about the matter but it has yet to respond as of posting time. 

But a Reuters report cited a statement from the Chinese Southern Theatre Command as accusing the Philippine frigate of "attempting to invade" the waters around the feature and claimed that it had organized naval and air forces to track and expel the vessel.

“(Scarborough Shoal) is China’s inherent territory. We urge the Philippine side to immediately cease its infringement, provocation and distorted speculation,” Tian Junli, a spokesman for China’s Southern Theatre said.

“Theatre troops are on high alert at all times, resolutely defending national sovereignty, maritime rights and interests, and resolutely maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea region,” Tian added.

Bajo de Masinloc

Bajo de Masinloc is located 124 nautical miles off Masinloc, Zambales, and is considered within the Philippines’ 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Bajo de Masinloc is also referred to as Panatag Shoal or Scarborough Shoal.

Tensions continue as Beijing claims almost all of the South China Sea, a conduit for more than $3 trillion of annual shipborne commerce, including parts claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei.

Parts of the South China Sea that fall within Philippine territory have been renamed by the government as the West Philippine Sea to reinforce the country’s claim.

The West Philippine Sea refers to the maritime areas on the western side of the Philippine archipelago including Luzon Sea and the waters around, within and adjacent to the Kalayaan Island Group and Bajo de Masinloc.

In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines over China's claims in the South China Sea, saying that it had "no legal basis."

China has refused to recognize the decision. — with a report from Reuters/VAL/RSJ, GMA Integrated News