Chinese research ship tows floating platform in and out of Bajo de Masinloc

MANILA, June 16 ------ A Chinese research vessel was observed towing a movable floating platform out and back into Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal, during a maritime domain awareness (MDA) flight conducted by Philippine authorities.

ABS-CBN News joined the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) during the patrol over the shoal, where Chinese vessels and structures first reported by authorities in May remained. As the aircraft approached the area, a Chinese research vessel identified as Yue Zhan Yu Ke 6 was seen towing the floating platform with the assistance of a Chinese service boat. Another Chinese research vessel followed behind them.

According to Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela, the platform had exited the shoal and was brought back inside. “While we were about to enter the vicinity of the shoal, we saw Chinese research vessel Yue Zhan Yu Ke 6 towing the floating movable platform,” Tarriela told reporters in an interview. “The floating platform just came out of the shoal. When we arrived there, it was just about to enter back,” he added.

The platform was later moved to the southwestern portion of the shoal. The movable platform was first detected by Philippine authorities on May 25. It measures about five to seven meters and has a deck area of approximately 30 square meters.

Authorities also monitored a Chinese service boat redeploying a floating barrier near the entrance of Bajo de Masinloc. “We also saw the service boat towing the floating barrier. Meaning, it was towing back the floating barrier that they are always placing at the entrance to prevent the Filipino fishermen from entering Bajo de Masinloc,” Tarriela said.

The MDA flight further documented the antenna earlier installed on a rock formation near the entrance of the shoal. At least three buoys were also observed in and around Bajo de Masinloc. Tarriela said the continued presence of Chinese research vessels indicates possible illegal marine scientific research activities inside the shoal, although authorities have yet to determine the exact purpose of the floating platform. “We don’t have any information whatsoever as to what is the objective of the marine scientific research they are conducting inside the shoal,” he said. He continued, “We would like to believe that the floating platform is being used by the Chinese research vessel to be their platform in conducting research in different areas.”

The official noted that the structure is not permanent and can be moved depending on where research operations are being conducted. “This is not a fixed structure. This is floating, movable, and being towed by the Chinese research vessel depending on wherever area they are going to conduct research,” Tarriela said.

The PCG official also emphasized that authorities have not seen any indication of reclamation activities in Bajo de Masinloc. During the patrol, the a warship of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA-N) repeatedly issued radio challenges to the BFAR aircraft. But Filipino pilots showed they were equally assertive and responded by asserting that they were conducting lawful maritime patrols within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Aside from the PLA-N warship, a China Coast Guard vessel and three Chinese maritime militia vessels were also monitored outside the shoal. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has previously filed diplomatic protests over China’s activities in Bajo de Masinloc and has called on Beijing to remove the structures placed in the area. Tarriela said the Philippine government continues to pursue diplomatic and legal measures in addressing developments in the West Philippine Sea. “As what the NTF-WPS [National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea] stated, anything that violates UNCLOS and undermines our sovereignty and sovereign rights is always a concern of the national government,” he said. “The approach of the national government is always on diplomatic and legal action. I don’t think any other options right now would be the ultimate solution for this issue,” Tarriela added.

The BFAR and PCG said they will continue conducting maritime patrols and monitoring missions in Bajo de Masinloc as the Philippines asserts its sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea.

Source: news.abs-cbn.com