Navy warns off Chinese ship in West Philippine Sea

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Navy (PN)’s BRP Benguet warned off and issued consecutive radio challenges to a Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy PLAN 621 ship southwest of Pag-asa Island on Oct. 13, according to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

The Chinese vessel reportedly shadowed the Benguet at an 80-yard distance and attempted to cross its bow with a closest point of approach of 350 yards.

The incident happened between 1:40 p.m. to 5:04 p.m., according to AFP Public Affairs Office chief Lt. Col. Enrico Gil Ileto.

The AFP said that the BRP Benguet was en route to Rizal Reef Station for the conduct of a regular rotation and resupply or RoRe mission when the incident happened.

The PN crew cited the violation of the Collision Regulations (COLREG) in its radio challenges, and demanded that the Chinese vessel steer clear of Benguet. 

The Benguet received a counter-response from PLAN 621 using their so-called and patently baseless “10-dash line” warning.

AFP Western Command Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos said the Chinese Navy vessel made dangerous maneuvers that seriously endangered the safety if not lives of people at sea.

“China must immediately halt these unsafe actions and conduct themselves in a professional manner by adhering to international law,” Carlos said.

General Romeo Brawner Jr., chief of staff of the AFP, strongly urges China to cease these dangerous maneuvers and aggressive actions on Philippine vessels.

The potential for collision and accident at sea further highlights the urgency for China to uphold maritime safety standards.

“The AFP remains committed to ensuring the safety of its personnel during RoRe missions and asserts that it will continue to adhere to the rules-based international order,” said Brawner.

The Philippines has continued to call on China to immediately stop its illegal activities in the country’s maritime zones, the AFP said.