PCG challenges Chinese research vessel off Pag-asa Island

MANILA, May 19 ------ The Philippine Coast Guard said it challenged a Chinese marine scientific research vessel operating within Philippine territorial waters off Pag-asa Island.

According to PCG, the China-flagged research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 33 has been in the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) since April 18, conducting research without the approval of the Philippine government. On May 16, it was seen being escorted by by Chinese Coast Guard vessels CCG 5101 and CCG 5309, which deployed rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIBs) to bring Chinese personnel to Cay 2 and Cay 3 to conduct illegal activities.

The PCG then conducted a Maritime Domain Awareness flight on May 17 to challenge the unauthorized activities. It was also able to document 20 Chinese maritime militia vessels scattered in the waters of Sandy Cay 3 and 4. "The PCG emphasizes that these activities were in clear violation of Philippine sovereignty and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The PCG added that under international law, the conduct of MSR in another state’s territorial sea requires the prior consent of the coastal state and that no such consent was granted to China or its vessels," the PCG said in a statement.

Source: philstar.com