A Chinese navy corvette directed its fire control radar at a Philippine frigate on March 7, 2026, near Sabina Shoal (Escoda Shoal) in the West Philippine Sea. The Armed Forces of the Philippines strongly condemned the action as "alarming" and "escalatory." The incident was revealed on March 20. The Philippine vessel was conducting routine maritime patrol operations within Manila's 200-nautical mile Exclusive Economic Zone.

AFP Condemns 'Provocative' Radar Lock-On Incident

The guided missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-6) was approached by a People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) Type-056 Jiangdao-class corvette identified as CS Guang'an (622). The Chinese warship directed its fire control radar at the Philippine vessel. AFP spokesperson confirmed the incident, calling it a dangerous escalation that threatens regional stability.

Second Such Incident in Six Years

This marks the second time a Chinese warship has locked its fire control radar on a Philippine naval vessel. In April 2020, another Type-056 corvette, the CS Liupanshui (514), performed a similar action against the Philippine Navy corvette BRP Conrado Yap (PS-30). Fire control radar lock-on is considered a serious provocative act as it typically precedes missile launch preparations.

Manila Demands End to Dangerous Actions in PH Waters

The Philippine Navy's Naval Defense Command confirmed the incident and described it as part of a pattern of "dangerous maneuvers" by Chinese vessels. The West Philippine Sea, which Manila asserts as its EEZ under UNCLOS, remains one of the world's most contested maritime regions. Overlapping claims involve China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan.

  • Incident date: March 7, 2026
  • Location: Sabina/Escoda Shoal, West Philippine Sea
  • Philippine vessel: BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-6)
  • Chinese vessel: CS Guang'an (622), Type-056 Jiangdao-class corvette

Growing Tensions in South China Sea

The radar lock-on underscores escalating tensions in the South China Sea. The Philippines has been strengthening its maritime capabilities and asserting rights under international law. The BRP Miguel Malvar carries Selex ES NA-25X fire control radar systems. AFP emphasized that such actions undermine peace and stability, calling for respect of maritime laws.

The incident occurs as the Philippines actively engages allied nations, including the United States, to enhance its maritime security posture in the contested waters. Recent years have seen repeated confrontations, including Chinese water cannon attacks on resupply missions to Philippine-held features.