Chinese research ships enter PH waters

(RENEWAL) The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has confirmed the continued presence of three Chinese naval research vessels operating in and near the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), raising concerns about unauthorized activities in the country’s waters.

The vessels, identified as Xiang Yang Hong 3, Jia Geng and Xiang Yang Hong 10, were initially spotted on November 17, 2024, 257 nautical miles northeast of Santa Ana, Cagayan. Although this is outside the 200 nautical mile exclusive zone of the Philippines, further monitoring revealed their encroachment into Philippine waters.

The PCG observed these vessels twice within the EEZ until 17 November. On November 14, they were off Davao Oriental and on November 20 they were spotted off Siargao Island. The vessels are currently 211 nautical miles east of Siargao Island, PCG said.

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) representative for West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela. EPA-EFE/FRANCIS R. MALASIG

At the Media Forum on Saturday, Commo. Jay Tarriela, spokesperson of the PCG National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea, emphasized that these vessels have been under surveillance for the past few days when entering the EEZ, prompting the continued surveillance.

“They may be collecting data on currents, tides or characteristics of the seabed, but without specific information we can only guess at their goals,” Tarriela said.

“There must be a good reason for the Chinese government to send three research vessels at the same time to one specific location,” Tarriela added.

The PCG has not reported any official reports from the vessels regarding their presence, raising doubts about compliance with international maritime protocols.

According to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos), to which both the Philippines and China are signatories, research vessels must obtain prior consent before conducting any activity in the EEZ of another state.

However, Tarriela confirmed that there was no such authorization for these Chinese vessels. The PCG forwarded its findings to the National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea for further action, including any inquiries to the Department of Foreign Affairs regarding the vessels’ activities.

Despite limited resources, the PCG uses international partnerships, such as Canada’s Dark Vessel Detection Program, to track vessels that turn off their automatic identification system to avoid detection, Tarriela said. Contrary to claims of oversight gaps, the PCG’s monitoring efforts have been effective, he said.

The operational focus of the PCG has been focused mainly on the West Philippine Sea due to territorial disputes.

Tarriela acknowledged limited government assets on the east coast, but said existing public vessels could engage in unauthorized activities, including unauthorized marine research.

The presence of foreign research vessels near Philippine waters underscores ongoing concerns about maritime security and sovereignty. While the area east of Siargao Island is not contested, the proximity of these vessels to the country’s EEZ underscores the need for vigilance and a strategic response.

Chinese vessels have been frequently reported in Philippine waters in recent years, often raising tensions between the two countries. Analysts see this latest activity as part of broader regional dynamics in the South China Sea, where overlapping territorial claims have led to periodic diplomatic and military confrontations.

The PCG said it would continue to monitor vessel movements and provide updates.

The DFA has not yet commented on whether a formal diplomatic protest will be lodged. The Chinese Embassy in Manila has also not yet responded to a request for comment.
From PNA