2/3/2012 How far Will the Dragon Swim- 3 warships in Philippine Sea

PREVIOUSLY REPORTED CHINESE NAVAL DRILLS BEGIN. THE DRAGON STARTS BY EXERCISING IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO PHILIPPINE WATERS. 

Below is a lead in and link to the early movements of what we think of as the "intimidation fleet".

U.S. Navy Photo

3 Chinese warships enter West Philippine Sea

Reuters/CCTV

Posted at 02/02/2013 5:29 PM | Updated as of 02/03/2013 12:14 AM

BEIJING, China - A Chinese navy fleet entered the South China Sea on Friday for patrols and drills after passing through the Bashi Channel, state media said quoting military sources, as tensions with neighbours over disputed waters remain high.

The official Xinhua news agency reported that the navy fleet including three Chinese warships entered the South China Sea at 03:40GMT after five hours sailing to pass through the Bashi Channel.

The Bashi Channel, situated between Taiwan and the Philippines' Luzou Island, is an international sea route connecting the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean.

Official broadcaster CCTV (China Central Television) reported the three ships, all from the North China Sea Fleet of the PLA Navy, are scheduled to carry out patrol missions and multiple training exercises in the South China Sea in the next couple of days.

http://rp1.abs-cbnnews.com/global-filipino/world/02/02/13/3-chinese-warships-enter-west-philippine-sea