Chinese Vessel Sighted During PH-US Maritime Exercises

A Chinese Navy vessel was observed near the Philippines and the United States during joint maritime exercises in Zambales on June 4, 2025. The Philippine Navy ship BRP Miguel Malvar, on its maiden mission since its commissioning on May 20, successfully completed a maritime patrol in the area. Despite the presence of the Chinese vessel, the exercises proceeded without incident. Captain Paul Michael P. Hechanova, Commanding Officer of the BRP Miguel Malvar, stated, "We were able to detect it on our radar from a range of eight to ten nautical miles." This incident highlights the ongoing tensions in the region and the importance of continued cooperation between the Philippines and the United States in maintaining maritime security. The successful patrol of the BRP Miguel Malvar serves as a symbol of the Philippines' commitment to protecting its territorial waters.