The Philippine Navy confirmed the presence of Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA-N) vessels near Philippine and allied ships participating in the recent Maritime Multilateral Exercise (MME) around 60 nautical miles west of Palauig, Zambales.

Navy spokesperson Captain John Percie Alcos said the Chinese vessels identified included a Jiangkai II-class frigate bearing bow number 579, a ship with bow number 500, and a Dongdiao II-class auxiliary surveillance ship with bow number 797.

“Despite the presence of these PLA-N vessels, the training activities proceeded without disruption,” Alcos noted.

During the MME, the PLAN 579 appeared and maneuvered behind the Philippine Navy vessel, seemingly conducting close-range surveillance.

Undeterred by the larger Chinese warship, BRP Apolinario Mabini stayed on course as planned.

The vessel was participating in division tactic exercises alongside BRP Ramon Alcaraz, BRP Gabriela Silang of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and the US Navy ships USS Savannah and USS Comstock.

Alcos said the BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS16) and BRP Apolinario Mabini (PS36) continued their operations as planned.

He also noted that the activities of the Chinese naval vessels have been addressed by international law and protocols.

“Philippine Navy ships remain focused on their training objectives alongside our allies. Rest assured that ensuring the safety of PN personnel and allied forces remains paramount,” he said.

Meanwhile, Alcos said the BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS16) continues to monitor the presence and activities of the PLA-N vessels, “while providing regular updates to Higher Headquarters and the Balikatan Exercise Directorate.”

“The Philippine Navy, through its assets participating in the ongoing Balikatan exercises, remains steadfast in its objective of continuously enhancing its capabilities to better perform its mandate as a modern naval force capable of securing the state and contributing to regional peace,” he added.

The MME is part of the 40th iteration of the annual Balikatan Exercise between the Philippines and the United States this year.

It aims to enhance naval interoperability and coordination through joint exercises in the Philippines' archipelagic waters within the vicinity of Subic Bay up to Northern Luzon's Joint Operational Area from April 21 to 29, 2025.

The participating nations performed communications exercises, qualifications, cross-deck landing, division tactics, photo exercises, replenishment at sea, maritime search and rescue, and gunnery drills.