Philippine Navy confronts 2 Chinese ships near Batanes

MANILA, Philippines — Two China Coast Guard vessels were seen meandering in the waters off the Philippines' northernmost island last week, the Philippine Navy confirmed on Monday, August 11.

The two Chinese ships — CCG vessels 3301 and 3304 — were spotted in waters near Mavulis Island in Batanes around 8 p.m. on August 7 while BRP Emilio Jacinto, a Navy patrol vessel, was patrolling the area. This was latest of China's recent maritime incursions in Philippine waters.

Despite repeated radio challenges from the Philippine ship, the Chinese vessels refused to respond, the Navy's northern Luzon naval command said in a statement.

The CCG vessels only left around 11 p.m. following what the Navy described as the "continued monitoring and assertive presence" by the 62-meter BRP Emilio Jacinto. The Emilio Jacinto is a ship much smaller than the 111-meter CCG vessel 3304 and 98-meter CCG vessel 3301.

The Navy's northern Luzon command condemned the "unauthorized presence" of the Chinese vessels.

"The continued conduct of sovereignty patrols in the northern maritime domain reflects our steadfast commitment to protect our sovereign rights and uphold maritime law," said Commodore Edward Ike M. De Sagon, commander of the northern Luzon command. 

A video clip shared by the Navy shows one of its personnel radioing the Chinese vessel, saying: "You are approaching the Philippines' contiguous zone. You are advised to leave immediately." 

The incursion occurred well within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone — waters the Philippines has jurisdiction and sovereign rights to.

It also adds to a string of Chinese maritime provocations in recent weeks, with Beijing's forces becoming increasingly aggressive in waters within the Philippines' EEZ. 

On Monday, a CCG vessel collided with a Chinese warship while chasing a Philippine Coast Guard ship near Scarborough Shoal. The CCG vessel slammed into a People's Liberation Army Navy ship while attempting a "risky maneuver" during its high-speed pursuit of BRP Suluan.

The Navy reported a surge in Chinese maritime presence in the West Philippine Sea last month based on its monthly tally, with 49 Chinese ships spotted near Philippine features in June — up from 41 in May. It was the highest number of Chinese vessels spotted in a single month since the start of the year.

China claims historical rights over much of the South China Sea to justify its growing maritime presence. A 2016 tribunal ruling, however, invalidated these claims.