Philstar
Chinese aircraft carrier seen near Luzon amid Balikatan
The Philippine Navy confirmed that the Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong (CV-17) was sighted 2.23 nautical miles southwest of the Babuyan Islands on Tuesday, April 22.
A Type 815A electronic surveillance ship was also detected 33 nautical miles northwest of Dalupiri Island on the same day.
These sightings occurred a day after the kick-off of the annual joint Balikatan exercises between Filipino and American troops.
The Chinese vessels appeared to be conducting normal naval operations en route to a specific destination and their passage was expeditious.
The Navy has not deemed the passage of the vessels as irregular, as they were passing through a recognized maritime corridor.
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The Philippine Navy monitored nine Chinese vessels, including the aircraft carrier Shandong (CV-17), six escort warships, and two support vessels, operating near the Philippines earlier this week.
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