The Philippine Navy on Monday detected a Chinese research vessel, identified as the Lan Hai 101, navigating off the coast of eastern Palawan.

Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, said the vessel was immediately identified by Littoral Monitoring Station (LMS) Melville on 9 February.

Upon detection, the naval post promptly issued a radio challenge to the foreign vessel.

Trinidad said the ship responded accordingly to the radio challenge issued by the LMS Melville.

The crew aboard the Lan Hai 101 communicated that their rerouting maneuver through the eastern waters of Palawan was necessary due to adverse sea conditions on the western side.

“They assured that the vessel would continue its transit while adhering to the rights of innocent passage through the Philippine archipelagic sea lanes, opting to exit near Coron, Palawan,” Trinidad said.

Meanwhile, the Western Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) deployed the Philippine Navy vessel BRP Andres Bonifacio, in coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard vessel BRP Melchora Aquino, to escort the Lan Hai 101.

“The deployment of naval and coast guard assets serves as a testament to the collaborative approach in addressing maritime challenges,” Trinidad said.

Further, the AFP said it would continue to monitor maritime activities and maintain the safety and security of the Philippine archipelago.