PCG monitors Chinese research vessel off Batanes

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has been monitoring a Chinese research vessel, Zhong Shan Da Xue, off Batanes since April 2, after it entered the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Zhong Shan Da Xue departed Guangdong province on March 31 and was located approximately 104 nautical miles from Itbayat, Batanes as of Monday morning.

The vessel has been conducting what appears to be maritime scientific research within Philippine waters since its arrival, taking an unusual route pattern resembling an inverted 'D', which is not continuous or expeditious according to Commodore Jay Tarriela.

The PCG suspects the Chinese research ship's activities and has deployed aircraft and a Coast Guard vessel to challenge and document these operations until it leaves the country’s waters.

Under international law, foreign vessels intending to conduct scientific research in Philippine maritime zones must first obtain permission from the Philippine government, but China does not have any clearance for such activity within the EEZ.