'Black hole' Russian submarine spotted in Philippine waters

Incident could be Moscow signalling willingness to help Beijing in S. China Sea dispute

- Raul Dancel

One of Russia's stealthiest submarines has been spotted cruising in waters claimed by the Philippines.

This incident could be Russia signalling to the US that it is prepared to help China amid an escalating stand-off in the South China Sea, one analyst said.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said in a news conference on Dec 2 that the submarine's presence in his nation's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) is very concerning.

"Any intrusion into the West Philippine Sea, of our EEZ, of our baselines, is very worrisome," he said.

The Philippine Daily Inquirer reported on Dec 2 that the Russian Navy's Ufa attack submarine was spotted after it surfaced 148km west of Mindoro province on Nov 28.

The Philippine Navy said in a statement that it sent the guided missile frigate BRP Jose Rizal to track the submarine as it made its way - while remaining surfaced outside Philippine waters.

Philippine Navy spokesman Rear-Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said the frigate communicated with the Ufa to ascertain its identity and intention.

"The Russian vessel stated it was awaiting improved weather conditions before proceeding to Vladivostok," he said.

The Russian state-run Tass news agency had reported that the submarine, together with rescue tug Alatau, were operating in the South China Sea after stopping at the RMN Kota Kinabalu Naval Base in Malaysia on Nov 23 for a port visit and to hold exercises.