PCG challenges Chinese research vessel near Itbayat

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) deployed an aircraft on Tuesday morning to monitor and challenge a Chinese research vessel near Itbayat, Batanes.

Commodore Jay Tarriela of the PCG stated that Zhong Shan Da Xue was located 78.21 nautical miles northeast of Itbayat in the morning.

The crew of the PCG Islander attempted to establish radio communication with the vessel multiple times but received no response.

PCG aviators emphasized during their challenge that the Chinese vessel lacks authority to conduct marine scientific research within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), citing a violation of UNCLOS and the Philippine Maritime Zones Act.

Zhong Shan Da Xue, which departed from Guangdong Province on March 31, entered the EEZ up north on April 2 and has since remained in the area conducting what appears to be maritime scientific research based on its navigation patterns.

This is the second time the PCG has flagged the presence of Zhong Shan Da Xue in the waters off Batanes; previously, on April 7, the PCG also deployed an aircraft to challenge the vessel's activities.