AFP wary over Chinese flotilla spotted in Philippine waters

By Jonathan G. Villataza

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) yesterday expressed grave concern over China's deployment of a "carrier strike group" in the Philippine Sea.

"We emphasize the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the region and urge all parties to adhere to international laws and norms, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)," AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said in a message to reporters.

A carrier strike group is a flexible naval force that can operate in confined waters or in the open ocean, during day and night, in all weather conditions.

Reports said the Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong, along with a guided missile destroyer and a frigate, were spotted some 323 miles off Miyako Island.

The Chinese aircraft carrier was observed conducting flight deck operations with its embarked jet fighters and helicopters.

"The AFP remains committed to safeguarding our maritime interests and ensuring the security of our nation's territorial waters through continued vigilance," Padilla said.

In another development, AFP public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad bared they are also monitoring reports of a bilateral exercise between China and Russia in the Philippine Sea.

"The AFP is committed to ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. We will continue to monitor this situation to ensure PH sovereign rights are not violated. We emphasize the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the region and urge all parties to adhere to international laws and norms," Trinidad said in a separate statement.