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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DND confirming presence of Chinese research ship near Panatag Shoal

DND confirming presence of Chinese research ship near Panatag Shoal

Published Aug 13, 2021 02:13 pm

An investigation is now underway to validate reports about the alleged presence of a Chinese research vessel spotted near Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), the Department of National Defense (DND) has revealed.

DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Thursday, Aug. 12, that he was informed about the alleged sighting of a Chinese research vessel near Panatag Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc in Zambales coast.

"We are verifying the report of the alleged presence of a Chinese research ship spotted near Panatag Shoal in the West Philippine Sea. Our next course of action will be based on the facts that are gathered by the maritime patrols in the area," Lorenzana said.

Ryan Martinson, an assistant professor at the United States Naval War College, said in a Twitter post that a Chinese research ship identified as "Hai Da Hao" was spotted 65 nautical miles east off Panatag Shoal last Wednesday.

Martinson provided map images showing the movements of the research vessel, which is being operated by the China Ocean University, a learning institution based in Qingdao, China.

Later that night, Martinson said the vessel had departed the country's 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ). However, he claimed that two other Chinese ships were still allegedly operating within the country's territorial waters. He identified it as "Jia Geng" and "Dong Fang Hong 3."

Chinese vessel Jia Geng had been the subject of a diplomatic protest in the past as it was detected entering the WPS--allegedly for illegal research activities--in Panatag Shoal and Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) in April and May 2020.

In January 2021, Jia Geng again entered the country's EEZ and docked off Catanduanes. The Chinese Embassy denied reports of its illegal activities and said the vessel just sought shelter from bad weather.

Meanwhile, Dong Fang Hong 3 had been found operating near Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte in August 2019.

Lorenzana assured the public that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has been consistent in conducting maritime and sovereignty patrols to assert and protect the country's position in the WPS.

"Rest assured that the AFP, through the Northern Luzon Command, undertakes regular domain awareness operations and provides all the necessary support to the Philippine Coast Guard and other agencies to secure and implement our laws in our territorial waters and the EEZ," he said.

The sighting is the latest development in the ongoing tension between the Philippines and China in the WPS.

Last July 1, an alleged Chinese oil exploration device was found by fishermen in the waters off Infanta, Pangasinan, raising suspicions that the East Asian giant has been illegally conducting research activities there. However, the military denied that the floating device was a tool for oil exploration activities.

More than 200 Chinese vessels were also spotted near Julian Felipe Reef in WPS last March.

Related Tags

Department of National Defense (DND) chinese research vessel Delfin Lorenzana Panatag Shoal
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