Chinese research ship spotted near Palawan

A Chinese marine research vessel is doing survey work near the southern coast of Palawan, according to a defense and maritime security expert involved in tracking movements of ships in the South China Sea.

- GHIO ONG

In a post on X yesterday, Ray Powell reported the presence of Chinese research ship Haiyang Dizhi 12 Hao off Palawan, along with six "militia ships" all named Qiong Sansha Yu, but with different bow numbers.

"China is now conducting a survey-in-force just 27 (nautical miles) from the Philippines' coastline with (six) Qiong Sansha Yu militia ships escorting the Haiyang Dizhi 12 Hao research vessel," Powell, a former US Air Force official and defense attaché wrote.

"Surveying another country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) requires that country's permission per UNCLOS," he said, referring to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

"It may be they are simply there to send a message that China claims these waters," he added.

He also posted a photo showing the route of the Chinese ships, which were already near the southern tip of Palawan as of yesterday.

There is no confirmation yet from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) of Powell's findings.

Powell's report came after the pullout last week of PCG's BRP Teresa Magbanua from Escoda Shoal after five months of patrolling the area, under constant Chinese harassment.