In a statement, the Chinese Navy claimed to have “monitored and warned” the Philippine vessel after entering the disputed maritime zone.

The Chinese military accused the Philippines of “infringement and provocation” and asked it to “immediately cease such actions.”

“The Chinese military is on high alert to safeguard national sovereignty and maritime rights,” a spokesperson for the Southern Theater Command warned of unspecified “consequences” if similar actions are repeated.

A Philippine Navy official denied the Chinese claims and stated that the BRP Apolinario Mabini (PS-36) was patrolling Masinloc Shoal on April 20.

Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, Philippine Navy spokesman for the West Philippine Sea, called the Chinese accusation part of “malign or configuration information operations, likely targeted at their audience.”

This latest incident in Masinloc Shoal comes amid rising tensions in the South China Sea.

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