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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PCG deploys ship, aircraft to challenge Chinese research vessel off Ilocos Norte's coast

PCG deploys ship, aircraft to challenge Chinese research vessel off Ilocos Norte's coast

Tarriela: China conducting illegal marine scientific research in PH's EEZ

Published May 6, 2025 12:46 pm  |  Updated May 6, 2025 08:24 pm

At A Glance

  • The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) deployed the BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701) and an aircraft to monitor and challenge a Chinese research vessel, Tan Suo 3, suspected of conducting illegal marine scientific research within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ) off the coast of Ilocos Norte.
  • The vessel was detected entering the EEZ on May 1 and was located 92 nautical miles off Burgos town by May 5.
  • Additionally, a submersible, Shenhai Yongshi or "Deep-Sea Warrior," associated with the Chinese vessel, capable of deep-sea exploration up to 4,500 meters, was observed retrieving unspecified equipment.
  • PCG spokesperson for WPS Commodore Jay Tarriela highlighted the incident as evidence of illegal marine scientific research by China within the Philippine EEZ, emphasizing the effective PCG presence in preventing the continuation of such activities.
Chinese research vessel Tan Suo 3 is spotted by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) approximately 92 nautical miles off the coast of Burgos, Ilocos Norte on May 5, 2025. (Photo: PCG)
Chinese research vessel Tan Suo 3 is spotted by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) approximately 92 nautical miles off the coast of Burgos, Ilocos Norte on May 5, 2025. (Photo: PCG)

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has mobilized BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701) and an aircraft to monitor, challenge, and escort a Chinese research vessel suspected of conducting illegal marine scientific research off the coast of Ilocos Norte.

Tan Suo 3 was detected entering the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) last May 1. As of May 5, it was located at approximately 92 nautical miles off the coast of Burgos town.

BRP Teresa Magbanua arrived at the location of the vessel on Monday, May 5, and a PCG aircraft was launched from Laoag to conduct a maritime domain awareness flight (MDA).

The PCG ship and aircraft issued radio challenges to the Chinese research vessel and its crew were informed that they were operating within the Philippines’ EEZ, according to PCG spokesperson for West Philippine Sea (WPS) Commodore Jay Tarriela.

“Their irregular movements were deemed inconsistent with the freedom of navigation and indicative of marine scientific research activities, which violate the sovereign rights of the Philippines,” he said.

“They were instructed to cease their unlawful activities, clarify their intentions, and ensure continuous transit within the EEZ in compliance with both international and Philippine laws,” he added.

As the PCG was challenging Tan Suo 3, Tarriela said a deep-sea submersible vessel identified as Shenhai Yongshi or “Deep-Sea Warrior” approached the Chinese research ship and was later retrieved by its crew.

The submersible is engineered for deep-sea exploration and scientific research, and can dive to depths of 4,500 meters.

“The Chinese Research Vessel chose not to respond to our radio challenge, as they were focused on retrieving their deep-sea submersible,” Tarriela noted. "It's worrisome as it can conduct deep-sea mapping."

The Chinese research vessel also deployed a rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) to recover a yellow equipment, which Tarriela said may be associated with marine scientific research activities.

“These actions of the CRV serves as clear evidence that the People's Republic of China [is] conducting illegal marine scientific research activities within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone, lacking the legal authority to undertake such activities in this area,” Tarriela said.

He noted that the vigilant presence of the PCG vessel effectively prevented the Chinese research vessel from continuing its “unlawful activities” within the country’s EEZ.

Related Tags

Philippine Coast Guard PCG Tan Suo 3 Ilocos Norte Chinese research vessel West Philippine Sea
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