One of China's largest fisheries research ships sails in PH waters —expert

One of China’s largest fisheries research vessels was spotted passing through the Philippines’ archipelagic waters on Monday morning, according to a maritime expert.

“The Lan Hai 101, one of China's two largest fisheries research ships, is now transiting the Philippines' archipelagic waters. It appears to be en route to the Philippine Sea,” former US Air Force official and former defense attaché Ray Powell said on X (formerly Twitter).

As of 8:19 a.m., the Chinese ship was seen around the Sulu Sea.

“Its companion, Lan Hai 201, continues to survey the Arabian Sea,” he added.

GMA News Online has sought comment from the Philippine Coast Guard and Philippine Navy about the report but they have yet to provide a statement as of posting time.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun earlier defended the presence of their vessels in the Philippines’ EEZ.

"Let me reiterate that China’s sovereignty and rights and interests in the South China Sea were established in the long course of history, and are solidly grounded in history and the law and compliant with the international law and practice," the official said.

Guo maintained the China Coast Guard "conducts patrols and law enforcement activities in relevant waters in accordance with the law, which is fully justified."

"We call on the Philippines once again to immediately stop all infringement activities, provocations and false accusations, and stop all its actions that jeopardize peace and stability and complicate the situation in the South China Sea," he added.

Tensions continue as Beijing claims almost all of the South China Sea, a conduit for more than $3 trillion of annual shipborne commerce, including parts claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei.

The Philippines referred to their claims in the South China Sea as the West Philippine Sea.

In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines over China's claims in the South China Sea, saying that it had "no legal basis."

China refused to recognize the decision. —KG, GMA Integrated News