Philippine Navy escorts Chinese frigate in PH EEZ

The Philippine Navy dispatched two warships, BRP Emilio Jacinto and BRP Diego Silang, to monitor a Chinese frigate, PLAN Jiangkai II-class with bow number 569, loitering within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ) near Zambales.

The Chinese vessel was detected 41 nautical miles southwest of Capones Island, prompting the Navy to conduct patrols and escort the foreign warship.

Repeated radio challenges were issued to the Chinese warship, citing the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and questioning its presence and purpose.

The Philippine Navy maintained a professional and measured posture, firmly asserting Philippine sovereign rights during the encounter.

The escort is being conducted in a controlled and non-escalatory manner as part of routine maritime security operations.

This action aims to protect the Philippines' maritime interests, improve maritime domain awareness, and assert national sovereignty.