Chinese research vessels leave PH EEZ after monitoring

Two Chinese research vessels, Haiyang Dizhi Liuhao and Haiyang Dizhi Shihao, were observed in the Philippine Rise area off the eastern coast of Northern Luzon.

US maritime security analyst Ray Powell reported that the vessels departed from Guangzhou on February 26 and were positioned east of Luzon within the Philippine's exclusive economic zone as of March 1.

A ranking naval official confirmed on Monday, March 4, that the vessels have since departed the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.

The Philippine Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad, stated that the vessels did not commit any violations during their passage through the country's EEZ and were heading southeast of the Pacific Ocean.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has deployed its BRP Gabriela Silang for a two-week mission to Batanes and Philippine Rise to monitor local fishermen and check for reported Chinese research vessels.

The National Security Council (NSC) has directed the Philippine Navy and PCG to determine the activities of the Chinese research vessels in the Philippine Rise, with a report to be forwarded to the National Security Adviser.

The Philippine Rise, rich in biodiversity and fish stocks, is part of the country's continental shelf declared by the UN in 2012.