Chinese Corvette Trained Fire Control Radar on Philippine Frigate Near Sabina Shoal

A PLA-Navy corvette (hull 622) directed fire control radar at the Philippine guided missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar during a sovereignty patrol on March 7 near Sabina Shoal, 75 nautical miles from Palawan. Philippine military chief Gen. Brawner characterized the action as comparable to 'aiming a firearm at a person.' The Philippine Navy issued an immediate radio challenge, prompting the Chinese vessel to deactivate. Separately, Defense News reports China is mapping the ocean floor in preparation for submarine warfare with the US.