The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Sunday dismissed Chinese claims of conducting tactical exercises near Bajo de Masinloc in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), stating that monitored Chinese vessels showed no signs of coordinated military drills.
AFP Monitoring Confirms No Tactical Exercises
AFP spokesperson for the WPS Navy reservist Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said in a statement to the Philippine News Agency (PNA) that while Chinese ships were sighted, there were no indications of organized military maneuvers. "The AFP has monitored the reported presence of PLAN (People's Liberation Army Navy) and CCG (China Coast Guard) vessels in the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc. Our coordinated maritime domain awareness confirms that their claims of coordinated military drills are completely unfounded," Trinidad said.
China's Claims vs. Observed Reality
Earlier, China announced it had conducted exercises and drills in Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal, as part of countermeasures against those violating its rights in the South China Sea. However, Trinidad clarified that what Philippine forces observed was different. "What our forces actually observed on the ground was merely a scattered presence of Chinese vessels operating independently. There was absolutely no monitored organized movement, tactical maneuvers or joint formations involving their ships or aircraft that would constitute a military exercise," he explained.
AFP Remains Vigilant
Trinidad maintained that the AFP remains vigilant and steadfast in monitoring the Philippine maritime domain. He advised the public against taking these propaganda narratives at face value, emphasizing the importance of relying on verified information from credible sources. The AFP continues to coordinate with other government agencies to ensure the security of the country's waters.
