The Philippine Coast Guard shadowed two China Coast Guard vessels near Panatag Shoal in the West Philippine Sea during a routine maritime patrol conducted to monitor foreign ship movements and assert the Philippines’ maritime jurisdiction.
The Philippine Coast Guard reported that its patrol vessel maintained visual and radar contact with the two China Coast Guard ships as they operated in waters close to Panatag Shoal.
PCG personnel documented the movements of the China Coast Guard vessels and recorded their positions relative to the shoal during the patrol.
The incident took place within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, which the government refers to as the West Philippine Sea.
The Philippine Coast Guard coordinated the patrol with relevant government agencies responsible for maritime security and resource protection.
PCG officials stated that the patrol formed part of regular operations that aim to ensure the safety of navigation and the protection of Filipino fishermen in the area.
The China Coast Guard vessels did not engage in radio communication with the Philippine patrol vessel during the shadowing operation, according to the PCG.
The Philippine Coast Guard did not report any collision, physical confrontation, or damage to property resulting from the encounter near Panatag Shoal.