Chinese Frigates Tail Philippine Navy Vessel in Bajo de Masinloc

The Philippine Navy reported that two Chinese navy frigates and a China Coast Guard vessel engaged in aggressive and unsafe maneuvers against the Philippine Navy's BRP Emilio Jacinto during a patrol near Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) on May 5. The Chinese vessels reportedly tailed and crossed dangerously close to the Philippine ship, creating a risk of collision, while the coast guard vessel attempted to block its path. The Armed Forces of the Philippines condemned these actions as irresponsible and warned they could increase tensions and threaten regional stability. These maneuvers are seen as part of Beijing's ongoing assertion of claims in the South China Sea, despite a 2016 international arbitration ruling that invalidated China's expansive maritime claims. The incident underscores continuing maritime tensions between China and the Philippines in contested waters. The Chinese Embassy in Manila has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the incident.