PCG flags Chinese research ships

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has confirmed the presence of two Chinese research vessels inside the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), raising fresh concerns over foreign maritime activity in Philippine waters.

At a press conference in Manila on Tuesday, Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, identified the ships as the Xiang Yang Hong 302 and the Tan Suo Er Hao.

Tarriela said the Xiang Yang Hong 302 departed Hainan, China, on 1 May and was detected at around 8 a.m., Tuesday, roughly 180 nautical miles off Rizal, Palawan.

The vessel, measuring 100 meters and weighing about 4,500 tons, is equipped for deep-sea surveying and research. “It’s fitted with remotely operated vehicles and private underwater drones,” Tarriela noted.

He added that the vessel operates under China’s State Oceanic Administration and is reportedly intended for use by the People’s Liberation Army Navy for oceanographic missions.

Meanwhile, the second vessel — the Tan Suo Er Hao — was spotted about 130.5 nautical miles off Burgos, Ilocos Norte. It left Hainan on 8 May and has capabilities similar to those of Xiang Yang Hong 302, according to the Coast Guard.