Philippine News Agency
'No surprise,' PH Navy says on Chinese presence in joint sea drills
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) refuted China's claims of joint patrols during recent bilateral maritime activities between the Philippines and Japan.
Philippine Navy spokesperson Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad stated that Chinese Navy vessels were illegally present during the joint exercise within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Trinidad clarified that the Philippine Navy did not monitor any coordinated patrols by the Chinese Southern Theater Command, but rather the continued illegal presence of Chinese vessels.
AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla denounced the Chinese claims as misinformation aimed at distorting international narratives.
Padilla emphasized that the Philippines' joint maritime activities with allies like Japan are crucial for asserting sovereignty and upholding regional peace and security.
Trinidad noted that Chinese naval assets have consistently responded to Philippine-led maritime cooperative activities (MCAs) with partners and allies, regardless of the country involved.
Chinese Navy and Coast Guard ships were detected in Philippine-held features in the West Philippine Sea, including Bajo de Masinloc, Sabina Shoal, Pag-asa Island, and Ayungin Shoal.
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