MANILA — The Philippine Navy (PN) deployed two ships to assert the country’s rights over its waters after a Chinese warship was reported loitering in the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) off Zambales.

In a statement, the PN said that on December 17, it received reports of a People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) Jiangkai II (Type 054A)–class frigate, bow number 569, in the area. The BRP Emilio Jacinto was first sent to validate the report, followed by the BRP Diego Silang as reinforcement.

The Navy said the two ships issued repeated radio challenges, “maintained professional and measured posture while firmly asserting Philippine sovereign rights,” and added that “the foreign warship is currently being escorted in a controlled and non-escalatory manner.”

The PN emphasized that its response was part of routine maritime security operations to protect national security and territorial integrity. China has repeatedly sent ships into the West Philippine Sea, despite a 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling favoring Manila. Beijing has also previously injured three Filipino civilian fisherfolk using water cannons.

Jay Tarriela, in a statement, criticized China’s claims over Escoda Shoal, noting that “the feature is a low-tide elevation that is well within the Philippines’ EEZ, approximately 75–95 nautical miles from Palawan. It is over 600 nautical miles—or up to 1,200 km—from China’s nearest landmass.”

Tarriela further said, “The international community is well aware of these facts and will not be misled by propaganda portraying the Philippines as the aggressor.” He also called out China’s maritime militia for pretending to be civilian fishing vessels while harassing Filipino fishermen.

The incident underscores ongoing tensions in the West Philippine Sea and the Philippines’ efforts to assert its maritime rights under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.