Philippine maritime authorities have leveled accusations against China, claiming Beijing is carrying out unauthorized scientific research activities in contested South China Sea waters near valuable oil and gas reserves at Reed Bank, officials announced Thursday.
Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, who leads the Philippine Coast Guard, declared: “We will continue to challenge any illegal activities that undermine our sovereignty and sovereign rights.”
During surveillance operations conducted Monday, Philippine Coast Guard aircraft observed the Chinese research ship Xiang Yang Hong 33 operating near Iroquois Reef. Maritime patrol crews witnessed the vessel launching a smaller service craft toward the reef area, which authorities say confirms ongoing unauthorized scientific activities in the region.
The patrol also documented the presence of one Chinese Coast Guard ship along with 13 vessels belonging to China’s maritime militia in the vicinity of the reef.
According to Philippine officials, the Chinese research vessel left port in China on April 15 and has since carried out operations near multiple disputed locations including Second Thomas Shoal, Sabina Shoal, Mischief Reef, and Jackson Atoll over recent weeks.
During the same surveillance mission, Philippine authorities tracked 28 Chinese maritime militia vessels positioned near Thitu island.
Manila maintains that China lacks proper authorization to conduct marine research in the area and considers the activities a breach of Philippine sovereign rights as well as violations of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
China’s embassy in Manila has not yet provided a response to requests for comment regarding the allegations.
