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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Tuloy ang research': China's marine scientific study in PH waters continues, PCG says

'Tuloy ang research': China's marine scientific study in PH waters continues, PCG says

Published May 7, 2026 03:41 pm
The Philippine Coast Guard releases a photo of of a Chinese research vessel approximately 7.34 nautical miles west of Rozul Reef in the West Philippine Sea during its maritime patrol on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. (photo: PCG)
The Philippine Coast Guard releases a photo of of a Chinese research vessel approximately 7.34 nautical miles west of Rozul Reef in the West Philippine Sea during its maritime patrol on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. (photo: PCG)
China continues to conduct marine scientific research (MSR) within the country’s waters in the West Philippine Sea, with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) saying it was backed by a Chinese Coast Guard ship and militia vessels.
Based on its latest maritime patrol, the PCG reported that it spotted Chinese oceanographic research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 33 stationary approximately 7.34 nautical miles west of Rozul Reef.
“The vessel was actively deploying a service boat heading toward the reef, confirming ongoing unauthorized marine scientific research operations,” the PCG said in a report.
At the same location, it said a Chinese Coast Guard vessel (CCGV BN 5309) was monitored loitering in the western part of Rozul Reef, while 13 Chinese Maritime Militia vessels (CMMVs) were anchored in the surrounding waters.
The Chinese research vessel was first leaving China on April 15 and was monitored to have been systematically conducting survey activities across multiple features within the Philippine exclusive economic zone, according to the PCG.
It was monitored at Ayungin Shoal from April 20-22, accompanied by support vessels. It then moved to Escoda Shoal where it conducted operations near Arellano Reef and Bulig Shoal.
The vessel was later monitored inside Panganiban Reef from May 1 to 3, and operated at Quirino Atoll and Rozul Reef from May 3-6. Since May 6, the vessel has been tracked moving from Jacinto Reef to Diego Silang Reef.
The PCG said such presence is illegal since under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), marine scientific research within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of a coastal state may be conducted only with the express consent of that state.
“The Philippines has not granted such consent to the People’s Republic of China for any MSR activities in these waters,” the PCG said.
“The presence of the research vessel and the large-scale swarming by Chinese Maritime Militia vessels represent a serious infringement on Philippine sovereign rights and maritime jurisdiction, and gross disrespect to UNCLOS in which they are a party,” it added.
Meanwhile, the PCG also reported monitoring monitored 28 Chinese Maritime Militia vessels anchored alongside one another and scattered around Cay 1 and Cay 2. A Chinese Coast Guard vessel (CCG 5101) was observed positioned approximately two nautical miles west of Pag-asa Island.

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West Philipine Sea PCG Chinese vessels
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