Chinese vessels, research ships in PH waters near Rozul Reef

More than 50 Chinese maritime militia vessels have been illegally stationed in Rozul (Iroquois) Reef in the West Philippine Sea since Tuesday, June 17.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) confirmed sightings and conducted a maritime domain awareness flight on Friday, June 20, deploying two aircraft and two multi-role response vessels to monitor the situation.

On Friday, two China Coast Guard ships were also spotted at Rozul Reef in addition to the Chinese maritime militia ships.

The PCG issued radio challenges questioning the presence of these Chinese vessels within Philippine waters, directing them to clarify their intentions and navigate according to international laws.

Despite these challenges, no response was received from the Chinese maritime militia or coast guard ships. The Chinese research ships were also seen conducting marine scientific research in Pag-asa Cays, which are within the 12-nautical mile territorial sea of Pag-asa Island.

The PCG and Palawan Council for Sustainable Development completed an environmental damage assessment at Pag-asa Reef 1 on Thursday to determine the extent of damage caused by a Chinese maritime militia vessel that ran aground on June 7.