The Philippine Coast Guard monitored a Chinese research vessel conducting unauthorized marine scientific activities near Cay-2 and Cay-3 in the Pag-asa Island area of the West Philippine Sea, raising concerns about sovereignty violations.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has reported the observation of unauthorized marine scientific research (MSR) activities by a Chinese research vessel at Cay-2 and Cay-3 around Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea over the past weekend. On May 16, the PCG identified the Chinese vessel Xiang Yang Hong 33, equipped for submersible operations, seabed mapping, deep-sea data collection, and marine ecological studies. This vessel was escorted by Chinese Coast Guard ships CCG 5101 and CCG 5309, which deployed small rigid-hulled and rubber boats. Chinese personnel were seen disembarking and conducting activities on Cay-2 before moving to Cay-3, all without permission from Philippine authorities. The Xiang Yang Hong 33 departed Guangzhou, China on April 15 and entered the West Philippine Sea on April 18. Since then, it has carried out systematic unauthorized MSR operations in Philippine exclusive economic zone (EEZ) waters. The PCG responded by conducting a maritime domain awareness flight on May 17 over the Kalayaan Island Group, confirming the presence of the Chinese vessels and documenting twenty Chinese Maritime Militia Vessels nearby. The PCG underscored that these activities violate Philippine sovereignty and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), noting that prior approval is required from the coastal state for MSR activities in territorial seas. PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan reaffirmed the commitment to defend Philippine maritime zones in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directives. Pag-asa Island, part of the Kalayaan Island Group, lies 277 miles from Palawan and is the largest island in the disputed West Philippine Sea territory, covering 32.7 hectares.
Sources referenced:
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/987958/pcg-marine-research-china-vessel-pag-asa-cays/story/