Overview
- The encounter occurred on March 7 during a patrol near Sabina Shoal, about 150 kilometers west of Palawan within the Philippine exclusive economic zone.
- Manila identified the Chinese ship as the PLA Navy Type 056A corvette Guang'an (622) using a Type 347 fire-control radar against BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-6).
- The Philippine frigate issued a radio challenge, after which the Chinese vessel stowed the radar and the situation did not escalate.
- Philippine authorities also reported Chinese forces releasing flares near a Philippine Coast Guard aircraft by Mischief Reef the same day, which a spokesperson described as dangerous.
- China rejected the accusations, with Defense Ministry spokesperson Jiang Bin asserting sovereignty claims and accusing the Philippines of provocation.