MANILA, Sept 28 (Reuters) — The Philippine Coast Guard has accused a Chinese research vessel of misleadingly broadcasting its location while lingering near Batanes, the northernmost island group of the Philippines, close to Taiwan. They claimed the vessel's movements suggested it could be conducting unauthorized marine scientific research.
In a statement, the coast guard expressed concern that the seabed survey vessel was hiding its whereabouts while remaining in waters between the Philippines and Taiwan. This raised serious worries about the security of the country's undersea communication systems and the possible military use of any data gathered.
The Chinese-flagged research vessel JIA HAI KE 7 was found about 38 nautical miles northwest of Itbayat, which is around 160 km from Taiwan.
According to the Coast Guard, the vessel did not respond to multiple radio requests asking it to clarify its intentions and stop any unauthorized activities.
The PCG noted that the vessel was sitting still rather than moving along a steady path that would indicate it was merely passing through the area.
They also reported that the vessel seemed to be broadcasting incorrect AIS positions, with tracking data showing it moved from the coast of Xiamen in southeastern China to off Papua New Guinea the same day. It then reappeared northwest of Itbayat, which the agency stated was physically impossible within that time frame.
The Coast Guard added that the vessel's actions were more indicative of marine scientific research activities than simple transit.
This vessel is a 2,000-ton, 70-meter survey ship designed for marine geological surveys and is known for its ability to maintain precise positions, according to open-source information provided by the coast guard.
The waters near Batanes and the Luzon Strait are significant channels for submarine cables that connect the Philippines with Northeast Asia and the broader Indo-Pacific region.
The PCG has stated that it will continue to monitor the vessel's activities.
The Chinese Embassy in Manila has not yet replied to requests for comments.
Previously, Chinese scholars at Jinan University have claimed that Batanes belongs to China.
A narrow waterway in the Pacific is critical to U.S. strategies aimed at countering China's extensive navy https://www.reuters.com/investigations/narrow-pacific-waterway-is-heart-us-plans-choke-chinas-vast-navy-2025-10-31/