The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has raised concerns over a Chinese research vessel allegedly conducting illegal marine scientific research at Reed Bank, a resource-rich area within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea.
On May 6, the PCG reported that their aircraft spotted the Chinese vessel, Xiang Yang Hong 33, deploying a service boat near Iroquois Reef, confirming ongoing unauthorized operations.
Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, the commandant of the PCG, emphasized the agency's commitment to challenge any activities that infringe upon Philippine sovereignty. 'We will continue to challenge any illegal activities that undermine our sovereignty and sovereign rights,' he stated.
The PCG's surveillance also detected one Chinese Coast Guard ship and 13 additional vessels linked to the Chinese maritime militia in the vicinity of the reef.
The research vessel reportedly left China on April 15 and has previously conducted operations near Second Thomas Shoal, Sabina Shoal, Mischief Reef, and Jackson Atoll.
Moreover, during the same patrol, the PCG observed 28 Chinese maritime militia vessels near Thitu Island. The Philippines maintains that China lacks authorization to perform research in these waters, labeling it a violation of both Philippine sovereign rights and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
The Chinese embassy in Manila has not yet responded to inquiries regarding these claims.