Relations have soured between China and the Philippines over the South China Sea under Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr as he pivots towards closer ties with the US, which supports the Southeast Asian nation in its maritime disputes with China.
A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday China had warned the US and the Philippines in connection with their patrols.
“China has made clear its position to the Philippines and the US that the Philippine-US joint patrols must not undermine China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests,” spokesperson Mao Ning said.
A Chinese navy ship shadowed three US and Philippine warships conducting joint patrols on Thursday, the Philippine armed forces chief, Romeo Brawner, told reporters.
The incident occurred at around 10.15am near the platform of a natural gas field 27 nautical miles off Palawan province, Brawner said. “There was no challenge, no dangerous manoeuvres.”
The Philippines achieved its goal of closely operating with its ally, the United States, and there was no untoward incident, Brawner added.
The Philippine foreign ministry and the national security adviser’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.