THE Philippine Navy confirmed on Thursday that it detected two vessels belonging to China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) operating off the northern coast of Luzon on April 22.
In a statement, the Navy said the sightings were made through its intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems. The Chinese warships were reportedly in separate locations during the time of detection.
At around 9:36 a.m., the PLAN aircraft carrier Shandong (CV-17) was observed sailing approximately 2.23 nautical miles southwest of Babuyan Island—well within the Philippines’ archipelagic waters.
The Shandong, a 60,000-ton STOBAR-type carrier, can travel up to 31 knots, spans 305 meters in length, and can carry up to 30 aircraft.
Later, at about 11:47 a.m., a Chinese Type 815A electronic surveillance ship (AGI-797) was also monitored 33.11 nautical miles northwest of Dalupiri Island, or roughly 38.91 nautical miles from Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.
The Navy reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring maritime activity, emphasizing its role in safeguarding national waters and upholding international maritime standards to help ensure regional security and stability.