Chinese warships shadow PH, US naval drills

The Philippines and the United States have commenced their multilateral maritime event (MME) as part of the Balikatan 2025 joint military exercises, aiming to enhance interoperability within the Philippines' archipelagic waters.

Three Chinese warships closely monitored Philippine forces at sea while BRP Apolinario Mabini was approached by a Chinese Navy Jiangkai II class frigate (bow number 579) on Saturday morning.

The Chinese frigate circled behind the Philippine Navy vessel, seemingly conducting close-range surveillance, while BRP Apolinario Mabini was dwarfed by the larger vessel.

BRP Apolinario Mabini continued its course as planned while participating in division tactic exercises alongside the BRP Ramon Alcaraz, BRP Gabriela Silang of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and US Navy vessels USS Savannah and USS Comstock.

Two more Chinese ships, one with bow number 500 and the Dongdiao II auxiliary surveillance ship with bow number 797, arrived later and positioned themselves 8 to 15 nautical miles from the formation of allied vessels.

The Chinese frigate eventually distanced itself as the USS Savannah maneuvered to begin a line formation within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ).