Vietnam Navy sends two frigates on first visit to the Philippines

Vietnamese frigates Dinh Tien Hoang (HQ-011) and Ly Thai To (HQ-012) on a port call to Manila Bay.

Vietnam on Tuesday showed off its two most powerful warships -Dinh Tien Hoang (HQ-011) and Ly Thai To (HQ-012)- in the first-ever port call to the Philippines but an official said it was not trying to challenge China's superior naval forces in the South China Sea.

Vietnam Navy invited the diplomatic community to its Russian-built missile-guided frigates docked in Manila Bay at the start of a three-day goodwill visit.The two 100-metre-(330-ft-) long Russian-built warships are equipped with stealth technology to display a minimal profile on enemy radar screens. They have anti-ship missiles and anti-submarine warfare helicopters.

"We are trying to hold joint patrols and operations in the Spratlys, including search-and-rescue operations," said a Philippine naval official, referring to a disputed island chain.
"We are not trying to challenge China's naval superiority in the disputed area. We have no intention to heighten any tension. These are peaceful activities, like sharing of experiences and best practices."