Philippine Navy monitors Chinese research vessel near Sabina Shoal

The Philippine Navy continues to monitor the Chinese research vessel "Ke Xue San Hao" near Sabina Shoal, noting its erratic "zigzag" movements and advanced marine environment observation technology.

Navy spokesman Roy Vincent Trinidad stated that the vessel's behavior indicates it is no longer performing innocent passage.

The Navy is monitoring the vessel due to concerns it may be causing environmental damage, referencing China's extensive reclamation activities in the South China Sea.

The "Ke Xue San Hao" departed from Sanya port on Hainan Island on July 19 and left Mischief Reef on July 26.

It has since traversed several critical areas in the West Philippine Sea, including Second Thomas Shoal, Raja Soliman Shoal, Bulig Shoal, Hasa-Hasa Shoal, Abad Santos Shoal, and Sabina Shoal.

The Philippine Coast Guard's BRP Teresa Magbanua has been physically tracking the Chinese research vessel.