The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) utilized the vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua and an aircraft to challenge and escort a Chinese research vessel suspected of conducting illegal marine scientific research off the coast of Ilocos Norte.
The Chinese ship Tan Suo 3 entered the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) last May 1. As of May 5, it was located at approximately 92 nautical miles off the coast of Burgos town.
BRP Teresa Magbanua arrived at the location, while a PCG aircraft was launched from Laoag to conduct a maritime domain awareness flight.
The PCG ship and aircraft issued radio challenges to the Chinese vessel, informing them they were operating within the Philippines’ EEZ, according to PCG spokesperson for West Philippine Sea (WPS) Commodore Jay Tarriela.
“Their irregular movements were deemed inconsistent with the freedom of navigation and indicative of marine scientific research activities, which violate the sovereign rights of the Philippines,” he said.
“They were instructed to cease their unlawful activities, clarify their intentions, and ensure continuous transit within the EEZ in compliance with both international and Philippine laws,” he added.
As the PCG was challenging Tan Suo 3, Tarriela said a deep-sea submersible vessel identified as Shenhai Yongshi or “Deep-Sea Warrior” approached the Chinese research ship and was later retrieved by its crew.
The submersible is used for deep-sea exploration and scientific research, and can dive to depths of 4,500 meters.
“The Chinese Research Vessel (CRV) chose not to respond to our radio challenge, as they were focused on retrieving their deep-sea submersible,” Tarriela noted. “It’s worrisome as it can conduct deep-sea mapping.”
The Chinese research vessel also deployed a rigid hull inflatable boat to recover a yellow equipment, which Tarriela said may be associated with marine scientific research activities.
“These actions of the CRV serves as clear evidence that the People’s Republic of China [is] conducting illegal marine scientific research activities within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone, lacking the legal authority to undertake such activities in this area,” Tarriela said.
He noted that the vigilant presence of the PCG vessel effectively prevented the Chinese research vessel from continuing its “unlawful activities” within the country’s EEZ.