A Chinese research vessel has been conducting activities in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ) for 25 days, particularly around Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal. Rear Adm. Jay Tarriela, spokesperson for the Philippine Coast Guard, announced the vessel's operation on Friday.
Iligal na Operasyon Nagdudulot ng Alalahanin sa Seguridad
Ilegal ito,
Rear Adm. Jay Tarriela, Philippine Coast Guard
The 76-meter Haiyang Dizhi Shihao entered the area on August 10 without the necessary permits from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). Tarriela emphasized that such operations are unauthorized and pose a threat to Philippine sovereignty.
Tarriela noted the timing of the vessel's activities coincided with severe weather conditions in the Philippines, making it difficult for local vessels to respond. He stated, "China moved its survey vessel in at precisely the moment our vessels were least able to intercept it."
The Haiyang Dizhi Shihao is not just an ordinary research ship; it has the capability to drill into the seabed. In a previous operation in 2023, the vessel drilled to a depth of 302.07 meters below the seafloor.
As of now, the Chinese Embassy has not responded to the allegations made by Philippine authorities.
Pagtataguyod ng Kooperasyon sa Karagatan
Amid these tensions, the Philippine Navy is enhancing its maritime intelligence cooperation with Singapore. Senior officers from both navies began their eighth bilateral intelligence conference this week, focusing on shared operational concerns and maritime security practices.