PCG drives away Chinese research vessel from Ilocos Norte EEZ

On Tuesday, May 6, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) successfully drove away a Chinese research vessel named Tan Suo 3 from waters off Ilocos Norte after monitoring it for nearly two days.

The PCG deployed BRP Teresa Magbanua and an aircraft to intercept the vessel on Monday, issuing radio challenges instructing the crew of Tan Suo 3 to cease unlawful activities within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and comply with international laws.

During the operation, a deep-sea submersible named Shenhai Yongshi or Deep-Sea Warrior was observed being retrieved by its crew; this vessel is capable of diving to depths of 4,500 meters.

The PCG also recovered an unidentified piece of equipment from the waters near Tan Suo 3 and documented the illegal activities before escorting the Chinese research vessel 250 nautical miles offshore.

Commodore Jay Tarriela stated that the incident strengthens suspicions about China's intentions in Philippine waters, particularly regarding deep-sea mapping for submarine navigation.