The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is set to deploy aircraft and vessels to challenge four Chinese research ships detected in Philippine waters, escalating tensions as both Manila and Beijing exchange opposing claims over maritime jurisdiction.
In a statement, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela said the vessels were monitored using Canada’s Dark Vessel Detection system and were assessed to be conducting marine scientific research without Philippine consent—an act he said violates the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Among the vessels identified were Xiangyanghong 33 near Quirino Atoll off Palawan, Shi Yan 1 and Jia Geng off Itbayat, Batanes, and Zhu Haiyun west of Luzon.
“The Philippine Coast Guard will immediately deploy aircraft and vessels to challenge these Chinese Research Vessels and drive them away from Philippine waters,” Tarriela said.
PCG Commandant Ronnie Gil Gavan added that the move follows directives from Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to safeguard the country’s maritime domain.
“We will not tolerate any illegal marine scientific research conducted without our government’s consent,” Gavan said.
Tarriela also pointed to the 2016 arbitral ruling, which invalidated China’s “nine-dash line” claim, emphasizing that research activities within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone require government approval under UNCLOS.
However, the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines rejected the allegation, asserting that the vessels were operating within waters under China’s jurisdiction.
“It was the Philippines that illegally and unilaterally initiated the so-called arbitration… China does not accept the illegal award,” said Deputy Spokesperson Guo Wei.
The embassy maintained that China’s claims in the South China Sea are consistent with international law and described the research activities as “fully justified.”
