Chinese militia vessels spotted anew in Philippines EEZ, Coast Guard says

The Philippine Coast Guard has reported a renewed presence of Chinese militia and research vessels within the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), raising concerns over their activities in the West Philippine Sea.

In a "24 Oras" report, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela, said authorities have observed an unusual increase in Chinese oceanographic research vessels operating in the area in recent days.

“Last week, the highest number that we monitored lima na Chinese Research Vessel… but last week, there were five and then four. And then parang hindi na bumababa ngayon sa tatlong Chinese research vessels ang namo-monitor natin almost every day,” Tarriela said.

(Last week, the highest number we monitored was five Chinese research vessels… and it has not gone down to fewer than three vessels almost every day.)

Among those monitored was the Chinese research vessel Xiangyang Hong 33, which was earlier radio-challenged and directed to leave by a PCG aircraft near Rozul (Rosul) Reef.

Tarriela said the vessel has since moved slightly outside the EEZ but remains nearby, currently about 233 nautical miles northwest of Rizal, Palawan.

Two other vessels were also tracked: Xiangyang Hong 302, located near the same area, and Xiangyang Hong 31, which remains inside the Philippine EEZ, about 127 nautical miles northwest of Rizal, Palawan.

The PCG said the exact purpose of the vessels remains uncertain, though their activities suggest possible marine scientific research.

“Merong nagma-map ng seabed, may nagche-check ng currents and tide… as to the clear intention, we still don’t know,” Tarriela noted.

(Some are mapping the seabed, others are checking currents and tides… as to the clear intention, we still do not know.)

Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), foreign vessels may only conduct marine scientific research within a country’s EEZ with prior consent.

Tarriela added that the monitored Chinese vessels lacked authorization from the Philippines.

Aside from research ships, the PCG also mentioned the presence of Chinese militia vessels in key areas within the EEZ.

Clusters of vessels were observed near Pag-asa Island and Escoda Shoal, the latter located about 75 nautical miles from Palawan.

The sightings were also observed during a recent visit to the area by Senator Kiko Pangilinan.

The PCG said it will further intensify patrol operations in the West Philippine Sea to monitor and, if necessary, challenge foreign vessels operating within the country’s EEZ. —Sherylin Untalan/LDF, GMA News