Tensions Rise as Chinese Naval Vessels Approach Philippine Forces in Contested Waters

Screengrab from a Facebook video shared by AFP

On may 5, 2025, the Philippine Navy’s BRP Emilio Jacinto found itself in a tense situation when two Chinese warships and a China Coast Guard vessel approached it aggressively during a routine patrol.

This encounter unfolded about 11.8 nautical miles southeast of Scarborough Shoal, an area that lies within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) but is also claimed by China.

At the time, the BRP Emilio Jacinto was not alone; it was accompanied by ships from both the Philippine Coast Guard and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.

Reports indicate that two Jiangkai II-class frigates—identified as BN 554 and BN 573—along with a China Coast Guard ship (bow number 5403), executed maneuvers that were described as “provocative.” One of these frigates dangerously crossed directly in front of the BRP Emilio Jacinto at an alarmingly close distance, heightening collision risks.

The second frigate trailed closely behind while the coast guard vessel attempted to obstruct its path. Officials noted that one Chinese warship passed just about 180 meters ahead of the Philippine ship, leaving little room for any evasive action. Another vessel came alarmingly close—within just 100 meters.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) did not hold back in condemning this aggressive behavior, asserting it violated international maritime laws like COLREGs (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea). They emphasized that such actions posed meaningful threats to safe navigation. Fortunately, despite these provocations, BRP Emilio Jacinto completed its mission without sustaining any damage or injuries.

Rear Admiral Roy Vincent trinidad recalled that this wasn’t an isolated incident; he mentioned another similar confrontation occurred two years prior during a resupply operation in South China sea waters.

Alexander Lopez from Manila’s National Maritime Council expressed serious concerns over how perilously close Chinese vessels had come to their ship—indicating there was virtually no margin for safety maneuvers.

china continues to assert claims over nearly all of South China Sea based on its contentious “nine-dash line” doctrine while dismissing a landmark ruling from The Hague in 2016 which invalidated those claims. In response to this latest incident, Chinese military officials argued they were merely acting to prevent what they termed as Philippine “intrusions” into their territory.

Interestingly enough, this naval standoff coincided with ongoing Balikatan joint military exercises between U.S.and Filipino forces—a series criticized by Beijing as destabilizing. these drills kicked off in April with participation from over 14,000 troops and wrapped up on May 9 after simulating extensive battle scenarios alongside Australian forces and Japan’s Self Defense Force focused on maritime security near Palawan Island.

The Balikatan activities included various training exercises such as air defense operations and amphibious landings along with friendly competitions aimed at fostering camaraderie among U.S. and Filipino troops at Camp Aguinaldo before concluding events took place.

Along with these drills, there was also noteworthy collaboration involving U.S. Coast Guard personnel who conducted their inaugural Leadership and Management School (LAMS) session in Southeast Asia at Bulacan’s training center for members of the Philippine coast Guard—a significant step towards enhancing regional cooperation capabilities.

This recent naval clash follows closely behind another violent episode last June when Chinese coast guard personnel allegedly resorted to using knives and other weapons against Filipino troops attempting resupply missions near Second Thomas Shoal—a confrontation resulting in serious injury for one sailor who lost part of his thumb during altercations.