AFP in joint exercises with US, Japan in West PH Sea

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) observed a shift in China’s approach in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) after a Chinese warship invoked “sovereign immunity” to justify its presence inside the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

- By MARTIN SADONGDONG

A Jiangkai-class frigate with bow number “551” of the Chinese People's Liberation Army-Navy (PLAN) was monitored approximately 35 nautical miles southwest of Capones Island in Zambales on the first of the two-day 11th Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) of the AFP with allied forces from the United States and Japan.

The activity was held from Sept. 12 to 13 off Magalawa Island in Palauig town to Silanguin Island in San Antonio town, both in Zambales.

Personnel of the Philippine Navy (PN) guided missile frigate BRP Jose Rizal (FF150) detected at least three Chinese vessels during the exercise, and issued a radio challenge to PLAN frigate 551 when it came as close as seven nautical miles away from them.