The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported Thursday that three Chinese vessels engaged in “aggressive and unsafe” maneuvers against a Philippine Navy ship near Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) on 5 May.

While conducting a routine maritime patrol in a joint mission with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and the Philippine Coast Guard, the Philippine Navy’s BRP Emilio Jacinto was followed closely by two Chinese frigates, BN 554 and BN 573, both Jiangkai II-class vessels, along with China Coast Guard ship 5403.

The Chinese vessels executed unsafe maneuvers, with the BN 573 crossing in front of the Emilio Jacinto’s bow in a high-risk maneuver that threatened a collision, while the CCG 5403 attempted to block the Navy ship’s path.

In a statement, the AFP condemned the maneuvers, saying, “These reckless actions not only posed a direct threat to the safety of navigation of the Emilio Jacinto but they violated the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea.”

The AFP also expressed concern, adding, “Such threatening and provocative conduct could lead to a misunderstanding that could escalate tensions and impact regional stability.”

The AFP praised the professionalism and restraint of the Philippine Navy personnel aboard the Emilio Jacinto.

“The AFP remains steadfast in defending the sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction of the Philippines in its vast maritime domain,” the AFP stated.

Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, also addressed the situation, noting, “This is not the first time a Chinese gray ship has engaged in such actions, including crossing the bow. A similar incident involving gray ships occurred about two years ago.”

He stressed that despite China’s provocations, the AFP will continue its operations, asserting, “We have to show that this is part of our mandate, that’s our territory, that’s within our sovereignty, we have sovereign rights.”

The Philippines remains embroiled in a maritime dispute with China, which insists on its sweeping claim over almost the entire South China Sea.

In 2016, the Philippines won a landmark ruling in the United Nations-backed Permanent Court of Arbitration which invalidated China’s claim.