40 Chinese Ships Spotted Near PH Waters: PCG Sounds Alarm sa West Philippine Sea

The Philippine Coast Guard said more than 40 Chinese vessels, including an oceanographic research ship, were spotted around the Kalayaan Island Group, raising fresh concerns over activity inside waters claimed by the Philippines.

According to the PCG, an air patrol detected the research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 33 about 7.34 nautical miles west of Rozul Reef, where it was observed deploying a service boat. The vessel was also tracked through Canada’s dark vessel detection system.

The PCG said Xiang Yang Hong 33 had been conducting survey activities across multiple features within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. It was monitored near Ayungin Shoal from April 20 to 22, Escoda Shoal from April 22 to 28, areas near Arellano Reef and Bulig Shoal from April 28 to May 1, Panganiban Reef from May 1 to 3, and Quirino Atoll and Rozul Reef from May 3 to 6.

Aside from the research vessel, the PCG reported seeing China Coast Guard vessel BN 5309 west of Rozul Reef, along with 13 Chinese maritime militia vessels nearby. Around Pag-asa Island, 28 more maritime militia vessels were seen near Cay 1 and Cay 2, while China Coast Guard vessel 5101 was positioned about two nautical miles west of the island.

PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan said the activity violated the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, stressing that the Philippines had not granted China consent for marine scientific research in those waters. The PCG said it would continue lawful maritime domain awareness operations and challenge unauthorized activity. Source: Philstar