Philippine Coast Guard Monitors Unauthorized Chinese Research Vessels

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is intensifying its vigilance over three Chinese research vessels operating without authorization in the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The detections, facilitated by satellite data from Canada's Dark Vessel Detection Program, have raised serious concerns about potentially illicit marine scientific research (MSR) activities in the disputed waters of the South China Sea, notably the West Philippine Sea.

On July 31, Commodore Jay Tarriela, the PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, confirmed that Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan has issued immediate orders to intercept and challenge these vessels. The Chinese ships Bei Diao 996, Zhuhaiyun, and Xiang Yang Hong 10 were spotted engaging in suspicious activities. Notably, Bei Diao 996, China's largest deep-sea test ship, was first detected approximately 185 nautical miles off the coast of Zambales province on July 23, near the contested Scarborough Shoal.

The presence of these vessels has raised skepticism among Philippine authorities regarding China's claims of civilian scientific endeavors. Despite a 2016 international arbitration ruling against China's extensive territorial claims, the tension persists. Adding to the regional dynamics, the Philippines and India are set to conduct their first joint maritime patrol, reinforcing international maritime laws and signaling growing cooperative resistance against China's assertive maritime posture.

(With inputs from agencies.)