2 Chinese research vessels enter PH EEZ near Benham Rise

Two Chinese research vessels entered the Philippine exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in Benham Rise on Tuesday, according to US expert monitoring Chinese ship movements.

Former US Air Force official Ray Powell noted that Xiang Yang Hong 03 and Zhang Jian were observed near the area but their exact purpose remains unclear.

Philippine Navy spokesperson Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad suggested that the ships likely entered the EEZ to avoid Typhoon Marce, which was about 350 nautical miles south of Philippine Rise.

Trinidad also mentioned in a statement on Wednesday that these vessels were possibly evading storms and typhoons, indicating they are moving southward away from bad weather conditions.

The Benham Rise, part of the country's extended continental shelf in the Philippine Sea, falls under the Philippines' sovereign rights according to UNCLOS, prohibiting unauthorized exploration and exploitation activities by foreign states.