THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has confirmed the recurring presence of three Chinese maritime scientific research ships going in-out within and near the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
The vessels were initially detected on November 17, 2024, at 257 nautical miles northeast of Santa Ana, Cagayan, was identified as Xiang Yang Hong 3, Jia Geng and Xiang Yang Hong 10. While this is outside the Philippines’ 200-nautical-mile EEZ, subsequent monitoring revealed their encroachment into Philippine waters.
The PCG observed these vessels twice within the EEZ before Nov. 17. On Nov. 14, they were near Davao Oriental, and on Nov. 20, they were detected off Siargao Island. Currently, the vessels are positioned 211 nautical miles east of Siargao Island, the PCG said.
In a media forum on Saturday, Commo. Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesman for the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea, emphasized that these vessels had been monitored entering the EEZ in the past few days, prompting continued surveillance.
“They could be collecting data on currents, tides, or seabed characteristics, but without concrete information, we can only speculate on their objectives,” Tarriela said.
“There must be a compelling reason for the Chinese government to send three research vessels simultaneously to one specific location,” Tarriela added.
The PCG has not reported any formal communication from the vessels regarding their presence, which raises questions about compliance with international maritime protocols.
Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos), to which both the Philippines and China are signatories, research vessels must secure prior consent before conducting any activity within another state’s EEZ.
However, Tarriela confirmed no such clearance had been recorded for these Chinese vessels. The PCG has forwarded its findings to the National Task Force-West Philippine Sea for further action, including any inquiries to the Department of Foreign Affairs regarding the vessels’ activities.
Despite limited resources, the PCG has leveraged international partnerships, such as Canada’s Dark Vessel Detection program, to track vessels that deactivate their automatic identification system to evade detection, Tarriela said. Contrary to claims that there are gaps in its surveillance, the PCG’s monitoring efforts have been effective, he said.
The PCG’s operational focus has predominantly been on the West Philippine Sea due to territorial disputes.
Tarriela acknowledged limited government assets on the eastern seaboard but said existing public vessels could address unauthorized activities, including unapproved marine research.
The presence of foreign research vessels near Philippine waters highlights 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 strategic response.
In recent years, Chinese vessels have frequently been reported in Philippine waters, often escalating tensions between the two nations. Analysts view this latest activity as part of broader regional dynamics in the South China Sea, where overlapping territorial claims have resulted in periodic diplomatic and military confrontations.
The PCG has stated that it will continue to monitor the vessels’ movements and provide updates.
The DFA has yet to comment on whether a formal diplomatic protest will be filed. The Chinese Embassy in Manila, too, has yet to respond when asked for comment.
SOURCE: The Manila Times, PNA
