UPDATE 2-Philippines says China vessel conducting 'illegal' research near gas-rich Reed bank

The Philippine Coast Guard has accused ​China of conducting illegal marine ‌scientific ​research near the oil and gas-rich Reed bank within Manila's exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea, according to a statement on ‌Thursday.

"We will continue to challenge any illegal activities that undermine our sovereignty and sovereign rights," PCG commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan said. * PCG aircraft spotted Chinese research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 33 near ‌Iroquois Reef during a maritime patrol on May 6.

* The PCG said the Chinese ‌vessel was seen deploying a service boat toward the reef, confirming the ongoing "unauthorized" research operations. * One Chinese Coast Guard vessel and 13 Chinese maritime militia ships were also seen around the reef, it added.

* It said the ⁠Chinese ​research vessel departed China ⁠on April 15 and conducted operations near Second Thomas Shoal, Sabina Shoal, Mischief Reef, and Jackson Atoll in recent ⁠weeks. * The China Coast Guard said a PCG aircraft "deliberately approached and harassed" the Chinese research vessel, and called the ​vessel's operations "a legitimate marine ecological survey".

* The CCG accused the Philippines of distorting facts ⁠and warned it to "stop illegal harassment, smearing and inflammatory propaganda" in a statement on Thursday. * The PCG also monitored 28 ⁠Chinese ​maritime militia ships near Thitu island during the same maritime patrol.

* The Philippines said China had no authorisation to conduct the marine research and called it a violation of ⁠Philippine sovereign rights as well as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. * Beijing's ⁠embassy in Manila ⁠said that Chinese research vessels conducting scientific missions in waters considered to be under China's jurisdiction were carrying out "normal activities" in accordance with international law.

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