Map shows the reported track of the Chinese research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 33 across features in the West Philippine Sea, including Ayungin Shoal, Escoda Shoal, Panganiban Reef and Rozul Reef. (Photo from Philippine Coast Guard)
MANILA, Philippines– The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said on Thursday that it monitored a Chinese research vessel and dozens of maritime militia ships operating in the West Philippine Sea.
During a maritime domain awareness (MDA) flight on Wednesday, a PCG aircraft observed the Chinese oceanographic research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 33 about 13.6 kilometers west of Rozul Reef (Iroquois Reef), where it was seen deploying a small service boat toward the area, the agency said.
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The reef is located about 237 km from the coast of Palawan.
A China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel (BN 5309) was also seen loitering nearby, along with 13 maritime militia vessels anchored in surrounding waters.
The Coast Guard said the same flight later detected 28 Chinese maritime militia vessels anchored around Cay 1 and Cay 2 near Pag-asa Island, while another CCG vessel (CCG 5101) was positioned about 3.7 km west of the island.
READ: West PH Sea: Navy monitors 62 Chinese vessels in April
Pag-asa Island lies about 528 km west of Palawan.
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Using data from Canada’s Dark Vessel Detection system, the PCG said the Xiang Yang Hong 33 has been tracked across multiple features in the West Philippine Sea since leaving China on April 15, including Ayungin Shoal, Escoda Shoal, Panganiban Reef and Rozul Reef.
‘Gross disrespect’
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The agency said the vessel’s movements and accompanying ships suggest ongoing marine scientific research operations within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) that were not authorized by Manila.
READ: WPS: China rebukes Japan over missile drills near PH, Taiwan
It added that under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos), such research within an EEZ may only be conducted with the coastal state’s consent.
“The presence of the research vessel and the large-scale swarming by Chinese Maritime Militia vessels represent a serious infringement on Philippine sovereign rights and maritime jurisdiction; and gross disrespect to Unclos in which they are a party,” the PCG said in a statement.
Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan said the agency would continue maritime patrols and monitoring operations in line with international law.
“We will continue to conduct lawful MDA operations and challenge any illegal activities that undermine our sovereignty and sovereign rights,” Gavan said. /dl
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