Philippine Navy Vessel Challenges Chinese Ship Near Pag-asa Island

October 15, 2023

MANILA – The Philippine military confirmed on Sunday that one of its naval ships, the BRP Benguet (LS-507), confronted a Chinese navy vessel that was following closely in the vicinity of Pag-asa Island last Friday.

“The BRP Benguet of the Philippine Navy communicated repeated radio warnings to China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy 621 (PLAN 621) when it trailed the former closely and tried to pass in front of LS-507, just 5.8 nautical miles southwest of Pag-asa Island on the afternoon of October 13,” reported Lt. Col. Enrico Gil Ileto, the spokesperson for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

The BRP Benguet was on a routine supply and personnel rotation mission to Rizal Reef Station when the incident took place between the hours of 1:40 p.m. and 5:04 p.m. last Friday, detailed the AFP.

Lt. Col. Ileto mentioned, “The crew on the Philippine Navy ship pointed out the breach of maritime collision norms (COLREG) in their radio warnings and asked the Chinese vessel to maintain a safe distance from the BRP Benguet.”

However, rather than adjusting its path, a reply from PLAN 621 echoed the controversial “ten-dash line” narrative.

The exact conclusion of the encounter remains uncertain.

Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., the AFP’s chief, called on China to refrain from such hazardous tactics and hostile activities near Filipino vessels. He emphasized the necessity for maritime safety, highlighting the potential risks of sea collisions.

“These aggressive maneuvers by the Chinese naval force not only pose a collision threat but are also a direct risk to both countries’ maritime personnel. The AFP is dedicated to the safety of its crew during rotation and resupply missions and will stand firm in upholding international maritime norms,” stated Brawner in a subsequent comment.

Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos, the leader of the Western Command, also voiced concerns about the recurrent risky behavior of Chinese ships, emphasizing that China should “act responsibly in line with international regulations.”

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