Philippines accuses China of illegal research activities in South China Sea

The Philippine Coast Guard has accused China of conducting illegal marine scientific research within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea.

In a statement issued by the agency on May 7, Philippine Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan said Manila will continue to challenge any “illegal marine scientific research” that undermines the country’s sovereignty and sovereign rights, Caliber.Az reports, citing Reuters.

According to Philippine authorities, a coast guard aircraft on May 6 spotted the Chinese research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 33 near Iroquois Reef off Reed Bank, a resource-rich area believed to contain significant oil and gas reserves.

The vessel was reportedly seen deploying a service boat near the reef, which Manila viewed as evidence of ongoing “unauthorized” research activities.

Philippine authorities also reported the presence of one Chinese coast guard vessel and 13 Chinese maritime militia ships in the area.

Separately, 28 Chinese vessels were detected near Thitu Island during the same patrol.

The coast guard, the Chinese research vessel departed port on April 15 and has operated in several disputed areas in recent weeks, including Second Thomas Shoal, Sabina Shoal, Mischief Reef and Jackson Atoll.

Manila says Beijing did not obtain permission to conduct such activities and considers them a violation of the Philippines’ sovereign rights and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov