The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has deployed BRP Teresa Magbanua and a PCG aircraft to monitor, challenge, and escort the Chinese Research Vessel (CRV) Tan Suo 3 out of the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The vessel was detected entering the EEZ on May 1, 2025, approximately 92 nautical miles off the coast of Burgos, Ilocos Norte.
This morning, upon the arrival of the PCG vessel at the location of the Chinese Research Vessel, the PCG aircraft launched from Laoag to support the maritime law enforcement operation, conducting maritime domain awareness (MDA) flight in the area. Both assets engaged in radio challenges, confirming that their operations within the Philippines’ EEZ align with the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and the 2016 Arbitral Award.
The crew of the Chinese Research Vessel was promptly informed that they were operating within the Philippines’ EEZ. 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. 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.
During the operation, the PCG spotted a manned deep-sea submersible vessel fast approaching the Chinese Research Vessel, which was later retrieved by its crew. This submersible, known as the SHENHAI YONGSHI or Deep-Sea Warrior, is engineered for deep-sea exploration and scientific research, with the capability to dive to depths of 4,500 meters. In addition, a Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) was deployed to recover a yellow-colored unidentified piece of equipment, which may also be associated with marine scientific research activities.
These actions of the CRV serves as clear evidence that the People’s Republic of China are conducting illegal marine scientific research activities within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone, lacking the legal authority to undertake such activities in this area.
The vigilant presence of the PCG vessel has effectively prevented the Chinese Research Vessel from continuing its unlawful activities within the Philippines’ EEZ. The PCG Commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, reaffirmed the PCG’s commitment to enforcing maritime laws and ensuring the protection of Philippine sovereignty and sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.
