Metro Manila, Philippines – A Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) tailed the Philippine Navy frigate BRP Andres Bonifacio PS-17 as the latter was patroling the waters off Panata Island in the West Philippine Sea on Friday, June 6.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) identified the Chinese PLA vessel as PLA Navy 525 Ma’anshan – Jiangkai Class Frigate, which was cruising at a distance of 4.6 nautical miles from the Philippine Navy’s PS17.

The Philippine Navy issued a radio challenge at 7:59 a.m. The PLA Navy 525 responded with a “counter challenge” at 8:12 a.m., according to the AFP log.