Chinese Surveillance Ship Intercepted by Philippines in Disputed Waters

View from the Philippines Coast Guard vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua of the PLA Navy electronic surveillance ship Tianwangxing on July 12, 2025. Image via the Philippines Coast Guard.

The Philippine Coast Guard intercepted what appears to be a Chinese intelligence vessel on Saturday that was accompanied by a pair of PLA Navy escort ships that were operating within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone.

The presence of the Chinese spy ship coincided with joint U.S.-Philippines air force exercises that include the first-ever deployment of the U.S. F-35 fighter jet to the Philippines.

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by Eric Olander

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