The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have been closely monitoring three Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels as they exited the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The ships, which were first detected on February 1st near Bajo de Masinloc, were tracked by multiple Philippine naval and air units as they moved southward. Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, the Philippine Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, reported that one of the PLAN ships was initially followed by the BRP Jose Rizal, a guided-missile frigate, as it headed south from Bajo de Masinloc. This ship was later joined by two additional PLAN vessels, including another warship and a replenishment oiler, which were monitored by several Philippine Navy ships and aircraft. By 7:30 a.m., the Chinese ships were located approximately 120 nautical miles south of Basilan, indicating their departure from the Philippine EEZ. Trinidad noted that the route taken by the PLAN vessels, from Bajo de Masinloc through the east of Mindoro, Cuyo Island, and into the Sulu Sea, follows a commonly accepted north-to-south passage. He emphasized that ships passing through archipelagic waters are expected to travel continuously at normal speeds without stopping or engaging in activities that could endanger the coastal state. However, the PLAN ships were observed varying their speeds significantly, at times reaching up to 40 knots and slowing down to as low as five knots. Despite being challenged by Philippine forces, the PLAN vessels did not respond according to standard procedures, only stating they were exercising freedom of navigation and innocent passage.
Philippine Forces Monitor Chinese Navy Ships Exiting EEZ
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