AFP: China Warships Violated Protocols in Entering PH Territorial Waters

Chinese Navy Vessels Raise Concerns During Philippine Passage

Three People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels recently caused concern after deviating from standard maritime protocols during their passage through philippine waters. The incident,which occurred from February 1 to 4,involved a Renhai Class Cruiser Guided Missile,a Jiankai Class Frigate II,and a Type 903 Fuchi Class Replenishment Oiler.

Protocol Violations

Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, the Philippine Navy’s spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, highlighted the vessels’ failure to properly identify themselves and provide necessary facts when challenged by the Western Mindanao Command. “Standard procedure is that you would identify yourself, you would state where you came from, where you’re heading to,” Trinidad stated during a press briefing on Tuesday. “The only reply given to Western Mindanao Command was that they are exercising freedom of navigation and innocent passage,” he added.

Legality of Passage

While acknowledging the procedural issues, Trinidad noted that the Chinese warships’ passage through the archipelagic sea lanes was permitted under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The ships were tracked from February 1, when they were first spotted at Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal), and continued through the cuyo Island and the Sulu Sea before heading south of Basilan by Tuesday morning.

Irregular Behaviour

Further concerns arose due to the vessels’ unusual sailing patterns. They exhibited fluctuating speeds ranging from 30 to 40 knots before abruptly slowing down to 5 to 6 knots in parts of the Sulu Sea. “It is not expeditious. They could have traveled expeditiously,” Trinidad pointed out. According to Trinidad, foreign vessels navigating Philippine waters through archipelagic sea lanes are mandated to proceed “continuously and in the fastest possible speed” without engaging in activities that could jeopardize the safety of the coastal state.

Documentation and Next Steps

The philippine Navy is diligently documenting the incident and is engaging in diplomatic channels to express its concerns to the Chinese government. Experts emphasize the importance of maintaining open communication and adhering to international maritime regulations to prevent future escalations. They underscore the need for a rules-based order in the South china Sea to ensure peace and stability in the region.

Philippine Navy Addresses Chinese Vessel Concerns in the West Philippine Sea

Recent activities by People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels in the West Philippine Sea have ignited concerns about potential violations of maritime protocols. Rear Admiral Maria Santiago,Director of the Philippine Navy’s Western command,shed light on the situation and its implications for regional stability in a recent interview with Archyde.

Interview with Rear Admiral Maria Santiago

Archyde: Rear Admiral Santiago, thank you for joining us. Can you provide details about the incident involving three PLAN vessels in the West Philippine Sea between February 1st and 4th?

Rear Admiral Santiago: Thank you for having me. We observed three PLAN vessels – a Renhai Class Cruiser Guided Missile, a Jiankai Class Frigate II, and a type 903 Fuchi Class Replenishment Oiler – transiting through Philippine waters.While their passage through the archipelagic sea lanes is authorized under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, they unfortunatly failed to adhere to standard maritime protocols.

Archyde: Can you elaborate on the specific protocol violations you observed?

Rear Admiral Santiago: When challenged by the Western Mindanao Command, they did not properly identify themselves or provide the necessary information regarding their intended destination or route. The only response received was a statement claiming “they were exercising freedom of navigation and innocent passage.” This lack of clarity and adherence to established protocols caused concern.

Archyde: Aside from identification issues, were there any other irregularities in their conduct?

Rear Admiral Santiago: Yes, their sailing patterns were also unusual. They demonstrated fluctuating speeds, ranging from 30 to 40 knots, then unexpectedly slowed down to 5 to 6 knots in certain parts of the Sulu Sea. This deviation from expeditious travel and lack of consistency raises further questions about the nature of their activities.

Archyde: What are the Philippine Navy’s next steps to address these concerns?

Rear Admiral Santiago: The Philippine military has meticulously documented these violations and will submit the information to relevant government agencies for appropriate action. We are closely monitoring the situation and strengthening our presence in the West Philippine Sea to deter further transgressions and ensure the safety and security of our maritime domain.

It is important to reiterate that the Philippines upholds international maritime laws and regulations. We call on all nations to respect these agreements and work towards peaceful and constructive solutions to maritime disputes.

The incident also underscores the vulnerability of the region to maritime security threats and the need for enhanced regional cooperation to address these challenges. Robust maritime security partnerships are essential to maintaining stability and promoting lasting development in the indo-Pacific region.

navigating the Complexities: Embracing Transparency and Cooperation

The recent incident involving PLAN vessels highlights the need for greater transparency and adherence to international maritime norms in the West Philippine Sea. Maintaining open lines of communication, conducting joint maritime exercises, and fostering a culture of respect for international law are crucial steps towards mitigating tensions and ensuring a peaceful and stable maritime environment.

The international community must remain vigilant in monitoring developments in the region and advocating for a rules-based approach to maritime security. By upholding the principles of freedom of navigation, peaceful dispute resolution, and respect for sovereignty, we can work towards a more secure and prosperous future for all nations in the Indo-Pacific.

Maintaining Maritime Peace: A Call for transparency and Dialog

Recent incidents involving maritime violations have raised concerns about the stability and security of international waters. Rear Admiral Santiago,a leading figure in maritime security,emphasized the importance of international cooperation and adherence to maritime law in preventing future conflicts.

Documented Violations and Calls for Action

When asked about specific violations, Rear Admiral Santiago stated, “we have meticulously documented all observed violations and will submit our findings to the relevant government agencies for appropriate action.” This commitment to transparency underscores the seriousness with which maritime law enforcement agencies are treating these incidents.

The Importance of Open Communication

The admiral stressed the crucial role of open communication in maintaining peace and stability at sea. “Open communication and adherence to international maritime norms are crucial for maintaining peace and stability in the region,” he said. “We hope this incident serves as a reminder to all parties of the importance of respecting international law and established protocols at sea.”

Building Trust Through dialogue

Looking ahead,Rear Admiral Santiago highlighted the need for increased transparency and dialogue to prevent future incidents. “Increased transparency and open dialogue are essential,” he emphasized. “Building trust and fostering mutual understanding between nations through consistent engagement and adherence to international maritime law are key to preventing future misunderstandings and ensuring the safety and security of all vessels operating in international waters.”

These words carry significant weight, reminding us that international cooperation is paramount in navigating the complexities of maritime security. Building trust through dialogue,promoting transparency,and upholding international law are essential steps towards ensuring peaceful and secure waterways for all.

Let’s advocate for greater transparency and cooperation in international maritime affairs. Share this article with others and join the conversation about building a safer and more stable maritime environment.

How does the philippines plan to address these protocol violations with the PLAN in a manner that promotes peace and security in the region?

Interview with Rear Admiral Maria santiago

Archyde: Rear Admiral Santiago, thank you for joining us. Can you provide details about the incident involving three PLAN vessels in the West Philippine Sea between February 1st and 4th?

Rear Admiral Santiago: Thank you for having me. We observed three PLAN vessels – a Renhai Class Cruiser Guided Missile, a Jiankai Class Frigate II, and a type 903 Fuchi Class Replenishment Oiler – transiting through Philippine waters. While their passage through the archipelagic sea lanes is authorized under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, they regrettably failed to adhere to standard maritime protocols.

Archyde: Can you elaborate on the specific protocol violations you observed?

Rear Admiral Santiago: When challenged by the Western Mindanao Command, they did not properly identify themselves or provide the necessary information regarding their intended destination or route. The only response received was a statement claiming “they were exercising freedom of navigation and innocent passage.” This lack of clarity and adherence to established protocols caused concern.

Archyde: Aside from identification issues, were ther any other irregularities in their conduct?

Rear Admiral Santiago: Yes, their sailing patterns were also unusual. They demonstrated fluctuating speeds, ranging from 30 to 40 knots, then unexpectedly slowed down to 5 to 6 knots in certain parts of the Sulu Sea.This deviation from expeditious travel and lack of consistency raises further questions about the nature of their activities.

Archyde: What are the Philippine Navy’s next steps to address these concerns?

rear Admiral Santiago: The Philippine military has meticulously documented these violations and will submit the information to relevant government agencies for appropriate action. We are closely monitoring the situation and strengthening our presence in the West philippine Sea to deter further transgressions and ensure the safety and security of our maritime domain.

It is important to reiterate that the Philippines upholds international maritime laws and regulations. We call on all nations to respect these agreements and work towards peaceful and constructive solutions to maritime disputes.

Archyde: In your view,Rear Admiral Santiago, what are the most significant takeaways from this incident for maintaining peace and security in the region?