PCG monitors Chinese research vessels in EEZ

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is monitoring multiple Chinese research vessels that entered the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ) without authorization.

Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan ordered to intercept and challenge a Chinese vessel, Xiang Yang Hong 05, which was encountered near Babuyan Island on Saturday afternoon.

Two other Chinese research ships, Bei Diao 996, Xiang Yang Hong 10, and Zhu Hai Yun were spotted earlier near the Scarborough Shoal and waters of Palawan, suspected of engaging in illegal marine scientific research.

Tarriela noted that these vessels are equipped with advanced marine research capabilities and pose potential security threats as they disable their tracking systems to conceal activities.

The Xiang Yang Hong 05 entered the Philippine EEZ on June 7, left on June 9, and was recently re-monitored near Calayan Island in Cagayan.

The PCG remains committed to safeguarding maritime interests, deploying patrols to monitor the Chinese research ships' activities.