MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Navy confirmed Thursday that a Chinese aircraft carrier, along with eight other warships, was spotted earlier this week near the northern coast of Luzon, raising renewed concerns amid regional maritime tensions.
Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, spokesperson for the Navy’s West Philippine Sea operations, said the carrier strike group—which includes six warships and two support vessels—was detected within close range of Philippine territorial waters.
“This is one of the larger or more unusual formations we’ve monitored,” Trinidad told reporters. “The aircraft carrier was accompanied by destroyers, frigates, and support ships.”
Monitored Within PH Exclusive Economic Zone
The formation was initially observed around 100 nautical miles northwest of Burgos, Ilocos Norte, and tracked until it moved near the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), just three nautical miles off the western coast of Cagayan, according to Trinidad.
“This is relatively close to our islands in the north. However, under UNCLOS, such movement is permitted under the right of innocent passage, provided it is continuous and expeditious,” he added.
PH Navy Issued Radio Challenge, No Response
Trinidad noted that a radio challenge was issued to the Chinese fleet, but no response was received.
“We do not speculate on their intentions. Our job is to monitor and ensure their passage is lawful and continuous,” he said.
Captain John Percie Alcos, another Navy spokesperson, said this marked the first time Philippine assets had monitored aircraft carrier Shandong (CV-17) in the region.
“They appear to be on a normal naval operation. Their movement was expeditious,” Alcos added.
Sightings Come Ahead of PH-US-Japan Naval Drills
The Chinese naval presence comes just as the Philippines, United States, and Japan prepare for a joint sail on Thursday, part of this year’s Balikatan military exercises between Manila and Washington.
The sightings also renew tensions over the South China Sea, where an international tribunal ruled in 2016 that China’s expansive claims had no legal basis—a decision that Beijing continues to reject.