PCG monitors 3 Chinese research vessels in PH EEZ

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) confirmed the presence of three Chinese marine scientific research (MSR) vessels – Xiang Yang Hong 3, Jia Geng, and Xiang Yang Hong 10 – within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

These vessels were detected on November 17 sailing northeast of Santa Ana, Cagayan, and were observed twice within the country's 200-nautical-mile EEZ.

Specifically, the Jia Geng was monitored on November 14 near Davao Oriental, and the Xiang Yang Hong 10 was spotted east of Siargao Island on November 20.

PCG spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela stated that the vessels were just passing through and did not loiter, entering and then turning back.

As of December 1, the vessels were located 211 nautical miles east of Siargao Island, which is outside the Philippine EEZ, though the PCG continues to monitor them.

Tarriela emphasized that foreign vessels entering the Philippine EEZ should have obtained clearance from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).