MANILA — The Chinese vessel, Yuan Wang 3, which docked in Davao City Monday is only in for replenishment, Philippine Navy (PN) spokesperson Cmdr. Jonathan Zata said Tuesday.
The above-mentioned ship arrived 8:14 p.m. Monday and will stay in the country until July 19, he added.
“They are here for replenishment as granted by the diplomatic clearance issues by higher authorities. This is a routine ship visit similar to any other foreign ship wishing to call on our ports,” Zata said.
“It’s completely routine, nothing unusual about the visit. We had Chinese warships calling on our ports in the past the same as with any other warships from other countries,” he added.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, meanwhile, echoed Zata’s remarks.
“Yes. We know about it. The Chinese Ambassador (Zhao Jianhua) wrote to the SFA (Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alan Peter) Cayetano that it would be docking in Davao to refurbish and it was allowed to do so,” the defense chief said.
The above-mentioned ship is used for tracking and support of satellites and ballistic missiles.
Yuan Wang 3 was launched in 1994 and delivered in 1995. It is reportedly capable of speeds up to 20 knots and has a range of 18,000 nautical miles. (Priam Nepomuceno/PNA)
