In 2025, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported a sharp rise in the number of Chinese research vessels entering the West Philippine Sea, documenting as many as 20 to 22 vessels this year—averaging three to four intrusions monthly—compared to significantly fewer in prior years. Among those reportedly monitored were Xiang Yang Hong 05, Bei Dao 996, Xiang Yang Hong 10, and Zhuhai Yun. Xiang Yang Hong 05 was intercepted and expelled after being spotted near Cagayan following a 22-day Pacific mission and is capable of deploying drones and unmanned underwater vehicles, raising concerns about unauthorized data gathering and seabed mapping.
Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG’s spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, emphasized that while these vessels did not resist when challenged, their increasing presence within the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone is deeply concerning. The PCG is ramping up maritime domain awareness and surveillance efforts while calling on China to respect Philippine sovereign rights and abide by international maritime laws, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The agency also reiterated the importance of securing prior authorization for any form of maritime research activities within Philippine waters.
Source: https://tinyurl.com/bdcxat8v
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