AFP monitors unauthorized Chinese research vessel 'Shen Kuo' near Catanduanes

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is monitoring an unauthorized Chinese-flagged research vessel, the 'Shen Kuo', which was spotted northeast of Viga, Catanduanes on Sunday, April 28.

TOWSOL reported that the vessel was first detected on April 25, approximately 60.9 nautical miles east of Rapu-Rapu Island in Albay and showed no signs of responsiveness to communication attempts.

On Tuesday, the Philippine Navy confirmed that the 'Shen Kuo' exhibited erratic behavior and was observed lowering an unidentified equipment near Catanduanes, raising concerns about its activities.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) plans to intercept the vessel but bad sea conditions have delayed sending a ship from Naval Force West.

Since April 13, the 'Shen Kuo' has moved through Itbayat and Basbo Batanes before heading south near Northern Samar and then north towards Catanduanes.

This development comes amid increasing tensions as more Chinese vessels shadowed naval vessels during Exercise Balikatan in the West Philippine Sea, with the Philippine Navy monitoring over 124 Chinese militia vessels since the start of the exercises.