3 Chinese naval ships dock in Davao City

Three Chinese navy ships on Sunday docked in Davao City, a military spokesman said.

Lt. Jetmark Marcos, spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Philippines' Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao, said the three Chinese navy ships headed by Chinese Top Group Commander Rear Admiral Shen Hao was welcomed by military officials and City mayor Inday Sara Duterte.

Marcos said included in the Chinese fleet are Chang Chun (DDG 150), a guided missile destroyer; Jin Zhou (FFG 532), a guided missile frigate; and, Chao Hu (890), a replenishment ship.

He said the ships, which arrived at the city and docked at Sasa Wharp around noon, was escorted by the Philippine Navy's BRP Nicolas Mahusay.

The Chinese ship's visit in the country came amid the improving ties between Beijing and Manila despite territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

Marcos said he was not aware if President Rodrigo Duterte, who is expected to stay in Davao City after the Philippines' hosting of the 30th Association of South East Asian Nations Summit, will visit the ships or meet with Chinese navy officials.

Capt. Ramil Roberto Enriquez, commander of Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao, had said that a welcome ceremony had been prepared for the arrival of the Chinese ships.

He said goodwill games and shipboard tour for the public will be held.

The Philippine Navy said the last visit made by a Chinese vessel in the Philippines was in April 2010, before the assumption of former President Benigno Aquino III, whose administration brought the country's maritime dispute with China before the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague.

The arbitration court ruled in favor of the Philippines, invalidating China's sweeping claims over the South China Sea.

Duterte has released the 30th ASEAN Summit Chairman's Statement, which did not mention the Philippines' victory in the arbitration case.

China and the Philippines are expected to start bilateral talks on the territorial disputes this coming month. —ALG, GMA News