Philippines Coast Guard additionally noticed a Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat recovering a yellow-coloured, unidentified piece of kit probably linked to marine analysis
The Philippines has deployed a coast guard vessel and an plane to problem and escort a Chinese analysis ship, which it stated was conducting illegal marine scientific analysis actions within the nation’s unique financial zone (EEZ).
The Chinese Research Vessel (CRV) Tan Suo 3 was detected coming into the nation’s EEZ on May 1, 2025, round 92 nautical miles off the Philippines’ northern Ilocos Coast, the Philippines Coast Guard (PCG) stated in an announcement on Monday (May 5, 2025).
“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,” the PCG stated.
It stated it launched a maritime legislation enforcement operation to problem the Chinese vessel’s presence and had prevented the vessel from persevering with its “unlawful activities.”
During the operation, the PCG reported recognizing a manned deep-sea submersible, named the Shenhai Yongshi or Deep-Sea Warrior, which was retrieved by the Chinese vessel.
“The submersible is capable of diving to 4,500 metres (2.8 miles) and is typically deployed for deep-sea exploration and scientific missions,” the PCG stated.
It stated it additionally noticed a Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat recovering a yellow-coloured, unidentified piece of kit probably linked to marine analysis.
“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 PCG stated.
The Chinese Embassy in Manila didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark.
Published – May 05, 2025 05:21 pm IST
