2 hrs ago
Philippines Deploys Largest Ship to Challenge Chinese Research Vessel
The Philippines saw a Chinese research ship operating near its northern waters.
It sent its biggest coast guard ship and an aircraft to check what the vessel was doing.
Philippine boats moved close and asked the research ship questions by radio.
The research ship reportedly moved around to avoid them.
A China Coast Guard ship then arrived and tried to protect the research ship.
The Philippines said the operation made the research ship leave the area where it had been staying.
Philippine officials were concerned because the ship may have collected information near underwater cable routes.
The Chinese Embassy in Manila did not immediately comment.
The Philippine Coast Guard deployed the 97-metre BRP Teresa Magbanua and an aircraft near northern Batanes.
The Chinese-flagged research vessel JIA HAI KE 7 had remained about 37 nautical miles northwest of Itbayat Island since September 28.
Philippine personnel approached within 100 yards and issued radio challenges as the vessel manoeuvred to evade them.
A China Coast Guard vessel arrived and attempted to shield the privately owned survey ship.
The Philippine Coast Guard said the operation forced JIA HAI KE 7 to leave its position and continued monitoring it as it exited the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
- Who
- The Philippine Coast Guard, the Chinese-flagged JIA HAI KE 7 research vessel, and a China Coast Guard vessel.
- What
- The Philippines deployed its largest coast guard ship and an aircraft to challenge the Chinese research vessel and make it leave its loitering position.
- Where
- About 37 nautical miles northwest of Itbayat Island in Batanes province, near Taiwan, and near the Luzon Strait.
- When
- The vessel had reportedly remained there since September 28; the Philippine Coast Guard reported the operation on October 1.
- Why
- The Philippines said the vessel was conducting unauthorised marine scientific research and raised questions about data collected near undersea cable corridors.
Key facts
- Philippine vessel
- BRP Teresa Magbanua, a 97-metre Philippine Coast Guard ship
- Chinese vessel
- JIA HAI KE 7, a Chinese-flagged, privately owned survey ship
- Reported location
- About 37 nautical miles northwest of Itbayat Island
- Deployment
- The Philippines sent its largest coast guard vessel and an aircraft
- Close approach
- The Teresa Magbanua approached within 100 yards of JIA HAI KE 7
- Chinese response
- A China Coast Guard vessel arrived and issued radio challenges to the Philippine ship
- Operation status
- The Philippine Coast Guard said it continued monitoring the vessel as it exited the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone
Quotes
Jay Tarriela
Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson on South China Sea issues
“The Philippine operation “disrupted the vessel’s unauthorised marine scientific research and compelled it to leave its loitering position,””
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