May 3, 2026 – The Philippine Coast Guard has reported that four Chinese vessels are conducting illegal marine scientific research in Philippine waters. They have warned that they might send aircraft and boats to drive t...
May 3, 2026 – The Philippine Coast Guard has reported that four Chinese vessels are conducting illegal marine scientific research in Philippine waters. They have warned that they might send aircraft and boats to drive these vessels away.
According to a statement from Coast Guard spokesman Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela, “PCG has determined that they are conducting illegal marine scientific research without the legal authority or prior consent of the Philippine government, which violates the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.” He mentioned that the Philippines will take necessary actions to remove the Chinese ships.
The Chinese foreign ministry has not yet responded to requests for comments regarding the situation.
Two of the Chinese vessels were located to the west and northeast of Itbayat, Batanes, one was found northwest of Rizal, Palawan, near the disputed Jackson Atoll, and the last was seen northwest of Scarborough Shoal. One of the Chinese ships is equipped for deep-sea research, which includes tasks like seafloor mapping and geophysical exploration, as noted by Tarriela.
Another vessel is described as the world’s first intelligent drone mothership, capable of deploying and controlling over 50 unmanned aerial, surface, and underwater vehicles for extensive ocean surveys.
Coast Guard Chief Ronnie Gil Gavan stated, “We will not tolerate any illegal marine scientific research conducted without our government’s consent.”
The Philippines and China have competing claims in the South China Sea, an important area known for its rich natural resources. The Philippines has strengthened military relations with the US as a way to protect its claims in the region, resulting in numerous confrontations between Chinese and Philippine vessels.