The Philippine Coast Guard has reported that four Chinese vessels are conducting unauthorized marine scientific research within its territorial waters, prompting a warning of potential expulsion.
According to officials, these activities are being carried out without the necessary permissions from the Philippine government, constituting a violation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. “The Philippine Coast Guard has determined that they are conducting illegal marine scientific research without the appropriate authority and prior consent from the Philippine government, which is a clear violation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,” stated Coast Guard spokesperson Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela.
He further indicated that aircraft and patrol boats may be deployed to remove the Chinese vessels from the area.
Details regarding the vessels indicate that two were spotted to the west and northeast of Itbayat in Batanes province. Another was located near Jackson Atoll close to Palawan, while the fourth was found northwest of Scarborough Shoal.
One of the vessels is reportedly a modern oceanographic research ship capable of conducting deep-sea research, seabed mapping, and geophysical exploration. Another is described as the world’s first intelligent drone carrier, designed to simultaneously deploy and manage over 50 unmanned aerial, surface, and underwater vehicles for comprehensive three-dimensional oceanic studies.
“We will not tolerate any illegal marine scientific research conducted without our government’s consent,” asserted Philippine Coast Guard Chief Ronnie Gil Gavan.
In related developments, on April 20, the United States and the Philippines commenced their largest joint military exercises, known as “Balikatan,” highlighting an increase in U.S. military presence in the Indo-Pacific region amid rising tensions with China.
These exercises involve over 17,000 troops, along with allies including Japan, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and France. The maneuvers began against the backdrop of heightened Chinese military activity in the region, as Beijing had recently dispatched military vessels for its own drills in the western Pacific.
The Philippine Coast Guard has accused four Chinese vessels of conducting unauthorized marine research, threatening to expel them. This incident occurs amidst increased military cooperation between the U.S. and the Philippines amid rising tensions with China.