PCG challenges Chinese research vessel in PH waters

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has challenged the Chinese research vessel Tan Suo Er Hao, which was detected within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone near Cagayan province.

The PCG deployed an aircraft to investigate the vessel, which is approximately 19 nautical miles off the Cagayan coast and serves as a base for submersible vessels.

Multiple radio challenges were issued by the PCG to determine if the vessel was conducting marine scientific research without clearance, but it did not respond.

The Chinese vessel was monitored heading east about 55.8 nautical miles off Santa Ana, Cagayan, and was detected using Canada's satellite-based Dark Vessel Detection system.

The Chinese embassy stated the vessel was on normal maneuver and that China does not accept certain Philippine domestic maritime laws, asserting its right to pass through the waters under international law.

Such activities could potentially violate the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).