February 4, 2025 | 4:16pm

Philippine Navy Challenges Chinese Vessels Over Protocol Violations

In a significant maritime incident, the Philippine Navy has condemned three People’s Liberation Army Navy vessels for failing to properly identify themselves during their passage through Philippine archipelagic waters from February 1 to 4. According to Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, the Navy’s spokesman for the West Philippine Sea, the Chinese vessels violated maritime rules by failing to provide adequate information when challenged.

Details of the Incident

The Chinese vessels were identified as one Renhai Class Cruiser Guided Missile, one Jiankai Class Frigate II, and one Type 903 Fuchi Class Replenishment Oiler. Trinidad stated that when Western Mindanao Command attempted to challenge these ships, they did not comply with standard procedures.

“Standard procedure requires you to identify yourself, state your origin, and your destination. Instead, they only replied that they were exercising freedom of navigation and innocent passage,” Trinidad explained during a press briefing.

Authorized But Not Up to Standards

While the passage of these vessels was authorized under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) through established archipelagic sea lanes, their behavior raised concerns among the Philippine military.

The Philippine military tracked the ships starting from February 1, when one vessel was spotted at Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal). Over the next few days, two additional ships joined this first vessel east of Mindoro before they proceeded through Cuyo Island and the Sulu Sea.

As of February 4, the vessels were approximately 120 nautical miles south of Basilan. During this transit, they exhibited irregular behavior, with speeds ranging from 30-40 knots before slowing to 5-6 knots in parts of the Sulu Sea, contradicting expectations for expeditious passage.

Military Response and Next Steps

According to Rear Admiral Trinidad, the vessels were supposed to travel continuously and at the fastest possible speed without conducting activities that could endanger the coastal state, as per maritime regulations.

“The violations have been documented and will be submitted to appropriate government agencies for action,” Trinidad said. The Chinese vessels are believed to be heading to Indonesia to participate in Exercise Komodo, a multinational naval exercise.

Implications for Regional Relations

This incident highlights the recurring challenges in maintaining effective communication and adherence to maritime protocols between the Philippines and China in the West Philippine Sea. It underscores the importance of clear identification and communication to ensure safe passage through maritime routes and prevent misunderstandings.

The Philippines has a vested interest in maintaining open lines of communication and cooperation with all parties involved in the West Philippine Sea to ensure regional stability and peace.