Chinese research vessels operating within the West Philippine Sea continue to draw scrutiny from Philippine maritime authorities. On Saturday, August 2, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) challenged one such vessel near northern Luzon, just as the Philippines and India launched a joint naval sail further west.
PCG confronts Chinese research ship near Luzon coast
The Chinese oceanographic ship Xiang Yang Hong 05 was spotted 37 nautical miles off the coast of Sta. Ana, Cagayan, on Saturday morning. According to the PCG, the ship did not respond to repeated radio challenges and appeared to be conducting activities within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) without prior coordination.
Commodore Jay Tarriela confirmed that the vessel is part of China’s state-run marine research fleet, known to have affiliations with the People’s Liberation Army Navy. He reiterated that foreign marine scientific research inside the country’s EEZ requires prior approval from Philippine authorities.
Between January and early August this year, Philippine officials have documented between 21 and 28 similar incursions by Chinese research vessels, many operating without permission. These movements have triggered concerns about the scope of China’s data-gathering operations and the potential impact on Philippine security and sovereignty.
One hotspot for these encounters is Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal. The shoal lies just 124 nautical miles west of Zambales, well within the 200-nautical mile EEZ recognized under UNCLOS. In contrast, China’s nearest landmass, the Hainan Province, is over 470 nautical miles away.
India joins Philippine Navy for two-day patrol
Just a day after the Cagayan incident, the Philippines and India kicked off their first joint naval patrol in the West Philippine Sea. The patrol began Sunday, August 3, involving five warships: two from the Philippine Navy and three from India.
Participating vessels included the BRP Jose Rizal and BRP Miguel Malvar from the Philippine side, and India’s INS Delhi, INS Kiltan, and INS Shakti. The ships sailed in formation near Palawan, an area frequently monitored by Chinese naval assets.
General Romeo Brawner, the Philippine military’s chief of staff, confirmed that Chinese warships tailed the group during the exercise. While the patrol proceeded without direct confrontation, the presence of Chinese vessels served as a reminder of the contested nature of the waters.
The joint operation coincided with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s visit to India, where maritime cooperation was among the key topics discussed. Both governments have expressed interest in expanding defense collaboration amid rising tensions in the region.
