The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported Thursday that a Chinese research vessel was allegedly conducting unauthorized marine scientific research activities near Rozul Reef in the West Philippine Sea.
According to PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela, the Chinese oceanographic vessel Xiang Yang Hong 33 was monitored operating near the reef together with a Chinese Coast Guard ship and 13 Chinese maritime militia vessels.
Tarriela said the vessel was observed deploying a service boat toward the reef, which authorities said indicated ongoing scientific survey activities in the area.
To monitor the situation, the PCG dispatched an Islander aircraft on Wednesday to challenge and document the presence of the Chinese vessels. The Xiang Yang Hong 33 was reportedly located about 7.34 nautical miles west of Rozul Reef during the operation.
The PCG also observed a Chinese Coast Guard vessel loitering west of the reef, while the maritime militia ships remained anchored nearby.
Citing data from Canada’s Dark Vessel Detection System, Tarriela said the research vessel departed China on April 15 before allegedly conducting survey activities in several areas within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
These reportedly included the Philippine-occupied Ayungin Shoal, as well as Escoda Shoal and Rozul Reef.
The PCG also monitored 28 Chinese maritime militia vessels near Pag-asa Cay 1 and Pag-asa Cay 2 close to the Philippine-held Pag-asa Island. Another Chinese Coast Guard vessel was reportedly spotted around two nautical miles west of the island.
Tarriela said the activities of the Chinese research vessel violated the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which requires foreign states to secure permission before conducting marine scientific research within another country’s EEZ.
“The Philippines has not granted consent to the People’s Republic of China for any marine scientific research activities in these waters,” Tarriela said.
He added that the continued presence of Chinese vessels and maritime militia ships in the area infringes on the Philippines’ sovereign rights and maritime jurisdiction.
PCG Commandant Ronnie Gil Gavan said the agency remains committed to protecting the country’s maritime domain and monitoring activities in accordance with international law and Philippine regulations.
“We will continue to conduct lawful maritime domain awareness operations and challenge any illegal activities that undermine our sovereignty and sovereign rights,” Gavan said.