PCG monitors Chinese research vessel near Ilocos Norte

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) expressed concern Tuesday over a Chinese research vessel, Tan Suo 3, detected near Ilocos Norte with deep sea mapping capabilities.

Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, said that the ship was conducting illegal marine scientific research within the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Tarriela noted that such deep sea mapping could support submarine navigation and deployment, raising security concerns.

On Monday, the PCG deployed BRP Teresa Magbanua and an aircraft to monitor and escort the Chinese vessel out of Philippine waters.

The PCG observed a manned submersible vessel approaching Tan Suo 3, which has capabilities for deep-sea exploration up to 4,500 meters.

As of Tuesday morning, Tan Suo 3 was located outside the EEZ, but tensions remain high due to overlapping territorial claims in the South China Sea.