40 Chinese ships seen in Philippines waters – PCG

MANILA, Philippines — More than 40 Chinese vessels – including a research ship – have been spotted in the vicinity of the Kalayaan Island Group, according to the Philippine Coast Guard.

The PCG said its air patrol detected the Chinese vessels including oceanographic research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 33 about 7.34 nautical miles west of Rozul Reef. It was observed deploying a service boat in the area.

Xiang Yang Hong 33 was tracked using Canada’s dark vessel detection system. It was seen conducting survey activities across multiple features within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

The PCG said the research vessel was first monitored near Ayungin Shoal from April 20 to 22. It then moved to Escoda Shoal from April 22 to 28, and to areas near Arellano Reef and Bulig Shoal from April 28 to May 1.

From May 1 to 3, Xiang Yang Hong 33 conducted marine scientific research at Panganiban Reef before moving to Quirino Atoll and Rozul Reef from May 3 to 6.

“Since 6 May, the vessel has been tracked via AIS moving from Jacinto Reef to Diego Silang Reef,”  the PCG said.

The PCG also detected Chinese Coast Guard vessel BN 5309 in the western part of Rozul Reef, along with 13 Chinese maritime militia vessels (CMMVs) anchored in the surrounding waters.

In a separate observation near Pag-asa Island, 28 more CMMVs were seen clustered around Cay 1 and Cay 2, while China Coast Guard vessel 5101 was positioned approximately two nautical miles west of the island.

Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, PCG commandant, said Beijing’s activities in Philippine waters are a clear and blatant violation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

“The Philippines has not granted such consent to the People’s Republic of China for any MSR activities in these waters,” Gavan said.

“The presence of the research vessel and the large-scale swarming by CMMVs represent a serious infringement on Philippine sovereign rights and maritime jurisdiction,” he added.

The PCG said it would continue to conduct lawful Maritime Domain Awareness operations and challenge any unauthorized activities that undermine the Philippines’ sovereign rights.