The Philippine Coast Guard on Monday rejected China’s claim that Philippine monitoring activities in the West Philippine Sea are “publicity stunts,” insisting that its maritime domain awareness (MDA) patrols are legitimate operations within the country’s exclusive economic zone.
PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela said the patrols are part of the Philippines’ sovereign rights under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
“It is China that has always opportunistically taken advantage of our domestic politics. Our MDA patrols remain routine and legitimate,” Tarriela said.
He stressed that recent monitoring activities led to the confirmation of Chinese vessels allegedly conducting illegal marine scientific research near Cay-2 and Cay-3, which he said are within the territorial sea of Pag-asa Island.
“China’s repeated militarization, artificial island-building, and harassment of Philippine vessels and aircraft are the real drivers of tension, not our transparent patrols. Chinese Embassy must stop its double-speak and respect international law instead of rewriting it to suit its expansionist agenda,” he added.
In a separate statement, Tarriela reported the presence of the China-flagged research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 33, which he described as an oceanographic survey ship capable of deep-sea mapping and ecological research.
He said the vessel was escorted by Chinese Coast Guard ships and supported by rubber boats during operations near the area on May 16, 2026.
“Chinese personnel were observed landing and conducting illegal activities on Cay-2 before proceeding to Cay-3,” he said.
Tarriela also reported that maritime domain awareness flights documented around 20 Chinese maritime militia vessels operating near Sandy Cay 3 and 4.
He said the PCG conducted radio challenges during the patrols, ordering the vessels to cease alleged unauthorized activities.
“Under international law, the conduct of MSR in another state’s territorial sea requires the prior consent of the coastal state. No such consent was granted to China or its vessels,” he said.
The PCG said it will continue monitoring the area and conducting patrols to assert Philippine rights and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea.
