PH Navy issues radio challenges vs Chinese warship inside EEZ

A Philippine Navy guided missile frigate issued four radio challenges to a Chinese warship inside the country's Exclusive Economic Zone during a maritime patrol in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

According to GMA News’ Jun Veneracion on Monday, the radio challenges from BRP Diego Silang (FFG-7) were directed at a People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy frigate with bow number 555.

The Chinese warship was located 30 nautical miles southwest of Palauig, Zambales. The EEZ of the Philippines extends 200 nautical miles from its archipelagic baselines.

“...This is Philippine Navy Warship 7, in accordance with international and Philippine national laws, you are within Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone over which Philippines has sovereignty. Your actions are illegal and will be reported and will prejudice our countries’ relations,” a sailor of the Diego Silang radioed.

Aside from the PLA Navy warship, the Philippine authorities also sighted a China Coast Guard vessel.

On June 10, the Philippines took diplomatic action over the movable floating platform allegedly deployed by China within Bajo de Masinloc in the WPS.

In 2016, an international arbitration tribunal 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 not recognized the decision. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA News