The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) confirmed the presence People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy vessels, a Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong and Chinese electronic surveillance ship near Cagayan area.

Philippine Navy spokesperson Capt. John Percie Alcos, identified the warships as the Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong (CV-17) and the Type 815A Chinese electronic surveillance ship (AGI-797).

Alcos, the CV-17 was tracked underway 2.23 nautical miles southwest of Babuyan Island around 9 a.m. on Tuesday while the AGI-797 was monitored underway 33.11 nautical miles northwest of Dalupiri Island or 38.91 nautical miles northwest of Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte past noon.

On Wednesday, April 23, the Chinese aircraft carrier was located 115 nautical miles off Sta. Ana, Cagayan.

The two vessels were conducting normal naval operations. However, their destination remains unknown, Alcos said.

The Chinese warship was seen as the Philippines, United States, and Japan are set to conduct joint sail on Thursday as part of the annual Balikatan military exercises between Manila and Washington.

Tensions continue as Beijing claims almost all of the South China Sea, a conduit for more than $3 trillion of annual shipborne commerce, including parts claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei.

Parts of the South China Sea that fall within Philippine territory have been renamed by the government as West Philippine Sea to reinforce the country’s claim.

The West Philippine Sea refers to the maritime areas on the western side of the Philippine archipelago including Luzon Sea and the waters around, within and adjacent to the Kalayaan Island Group and Bajo de Masinloc.