The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has intensified surveillance efforts in the West Philippine Sea after detecting movements of Chinese naval and coast guard vessels operating approximately 69.31 nautical miles west of Cabra Island, near Occidental Mindoro. According to PCG spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela, patrol ship BRP Teresa Magbanua attempted to make radio contact with the PLAN electronic surveillance vessel Tianwangxing (Type 815G, hull number 793) during routine maritime patrols, but received no reply.
A nearby China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel, hull number 4203, did respond — declaring the waters as part of China’s jurisdiction, a claim the Philippines firmly rejected. The PCG clarified that the vessels were operating inside the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and reiterated that both the Chinese Navy and Coast Guard must comply with UNCLOS, the 2016 Arbitral Award, and the Philippine Maritime Zones Act.
Later the same day, the PCG continued tracking the two Chinese vessels, which were joined by a Type 052D destroyer named Guilin (hull number 164). The destroyer conducted helicopter drills on its deck while all radio hails from the PCG remained unanswered. The Philippine authorities warned that the area falls well within the country’s EEZ and demanded that all unauthorized patrols or military activities cease immediately.
The incident took place during the Cope Thunder aerial combat drills, which saw the first-ever deployment of U.S. F-35A fighter jets to Philippine territory — offering strategic context to China’s heightened naval presence in the area.
The Tianwangxing is no ordinary vessel. Commissioned in 2010, it is the lead ship of the advanced Type 815G Dongdiao-II class. Measuring 130 meters long with a displacement of up to 6,600 tons, it’s powered by twin diesel engines and carries a crew of 250. This spy ship is equipped with a range of sensors: signal intelligence systems, ballistic missile tracking radar (up to 5,185 km), advanced optical and electro-optical devices, and satellite communication systems. It also has anti-aircraft guns, a helipad, and enclosed hangar facilities.
Tianwangxing is frequently deployed in contested waters. In 2022, its sister ship Haiwangxing was shadowed for days by the Philippine Navy in the Sulu Sea. Similar intrusions occurred during Balikatan 2024, Talisman Sabre in Australia, and near India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands, sparking diplomatic protests. China insists these are lawful navigations, but countries like the Philippines, Japan, India, and Australia consistently dispute these claims under international maritime law.
With an estimated price tag between $300–500 million, Type 815G vessels are among the PLAN’s most advanced surveillance assets. The PCG’s ongoing monitoring of Tianwangxing and associated vessels underscores the Philippines’ commitment to upholding maritime sovereignty in the face of increasing regional tensions.
