PH Navy: Foreign warships off Camarines Norte not Chinese

The Philippine Navy clarified on Monday that the foreign warships spotted near Jose Panganiban, Camarines Norte, were those of France, the United States, and Japan, not China. 

The PN explained that the United States Navy, Marine Nationale, and the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force are conducting naval exercises in the Philippine Sea as part of the “Exercise Pacific Steller 2025.” 

“These are not Chinese warships; these are foreign vessels composed of the French Navy, U.S. Navy, and Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force that are conducting a naval exercise hosted by the French Navy in the Philippine Sea dubbed as ‘Exercise Pacific Steller 2025’ which started last February 8, 2025. This exercise is a multi-large deck event (MLDE) designed to advance coordination and cooperation among French, Japanese, and U.S. maritime forces,” according to the statement issued by the Naval Forces Southern Luzon (NAVFORSOL). 

The Philippine Navy added the French Navy flotilla, led by the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle (R91) is serving as the opposing force against American and Japanese forces in the exercise centered around the USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) and JS Kaga (DDH184) and their escorts.

“According to the US Pacific Fleet, this exercise is to promote a free, open, and stable Indo-Pacific space for the benefit of French populations, interests, and those of their regional partners, within the framework of international law,” the NAVFORSOL statement further read.

Moreover, the Philippine Navy through the NAVFORSOL “[remains] vigilant in monitoring and patrolling our maritime seas for the safety and security of our people.” —Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA Integrated News