Naval vessels of the Philippines and China swapped warnings in Pagasa (Thitu) Island when a vessel of the People's Liberation Army's Navy (PLAN) came dangerously close to BRP Benguet.
A report from the Philippine Navy said that (PLAN) ship 621 closely shadowed BRP Benguet and attempted to cross its bow on Friday.
The skipper was prompted to warn the Chinese vessel and demanded that it stay away from the Philippine ship.
The Chinese crew responded by reiterating that the area belongs to China based on its ten-dash line map.
The Philippine vessel was on a regular rotation and resupply mission in Rizal Reef when the incident happened.
Western Command chief Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos called on China to stop such dangerous maneuvers.
"These [dangerous] maneuvers pose significant risks to maritime safety, collision prevention, and danger to human lives at sea. China must immediately halt these unsafe actions and conduct themselves in a professional manner by adhering to international law," he said.
Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr., echoes Carlos' call, saying aggressive actions towards Philippine vessel raises the risk of an accident
"These dangerous and offensive maneuvers by China's PLAN not only risk collision but also directly endanger the lives of maritime personnel from both sides. The AFP remains committed to ensuring the safety of its personnel during RoRe missions and asserts that it will continue to adhere to the rules-based international order," Brawner said.
Brawner added China's continued illegal presence and activities in the West Philippine Sea interfere with the legitimate Philippine rotation and resupply missions.
He reiterated that China's aggressive maneuvers that infringe upon the country's sovereignty are violations of international law.