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The BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG6) conducts a patrol within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone near Sabina Shoal on March 7, 2026, when a Chinese PLA Navy vessel (bow no. 622) allegedly directed its fire control radar toward the Philippine ship.
Philippine Navy via Facebook
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines said a Chinese naval vessel directed its fire control radar toward a Navy ship during a patrol in the West Philippine Sea earlier this month, in what it described as a “provocative” maritime encounter.
In a statement posted on Facebook on Friday, March 20, the Philippine Navy said the BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG6) was conducting a patrol within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) near Sabina Shoal on March 7, when a People’s Liberation Army Navy vessel (bow no. 622) allegedly trained its fire control radar on the ship.
Sabina Shoal is a fish-rich area located about 150 kilometers from Palawan.
"This was an alarming and provocative action that created unnecessary risk and could have led to misinterpretation and misunderstanding at sea," the Philippine Navy said.
The specialized radar supplies accurate targeting data for a ship’s weapons systems.
The Navy said it immediately issued a radio challenge following standard procedures, after which the Chinese vessel stowed its radar and de-escalated the situation.
"The incident underscores the importance of restraint and adherence to international law. The Philippine Navy remains committed to lawful patrols, the protection of sovereign rights, and the peaceful, rules-based resolution of disputes in the West Philippine Sea," the Philippine Navy said.
The Chinese Embassy in Manila has yet to issue a statement regarding the incident.
The encounter comes amid continuing tensions between Manila and Beijing in the disputed waterway, where both countries have repeatedly reported close encounters involving coast guard and naval vessels.
The West Philippine Sea remains a long-running flashpoint, with the Philippines asserting its sovereign rights within its EEZ while China maintains sweeping claims over much of the South China Sea despite an international ruling invalidating its position.
