Manila, Philippines – A People’s Republic of China (PRC) J-15 fighter aircraft approached and dangerously intercepted a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Caravan Aircraft while conducting Maritime Domain Awareness in the Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal area of the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
The Chinese fighter aircraft intercepted the PCG Caravan aircraft and unsafely tracked for more than 20 minutes at a distance of 200 feet.
The PCG Aircraft also reportedly received radio challenges from People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy Vessel 553 while the other warship from China tailed two United States Navy Vessels.
The Maritime Domain Awareness is part of the PCG’s regular patrol to monitor and ensure the safety of Filipino fishermen in the West Philippine Sea.
The PCG also sighted more than five China Coast Guard Vessels, Chinese Maritime Militia Vessels and PLA Navy warships.
The presence of the US Navy ships is said to be part of a show of respect for the right of navigation and freedom in the West Philippine Sea.
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), under the UN Convention on the Laws of the Sea (UNCLOS), foreign ships have the right and freedom to pass through the archipelagic waters, territorial seas and the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Philippines.
The PCG assured that they will continue to protect the maritime rights and safety of Philippine ships in the region based on international laws.-Alvin Pelobello, Eurotv News