DistantNews
🇸🇬 Singapore /Health & Science

Philippines Accuses China of Illegal Research Near Reed Bank

From The Straits Times · (7h ago) English Critical tone

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • The Philippine Coast Guard accused a Chinese research vessel of conducting illegal marine scientific research in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone near the Reed Bank.
  • The PCG reported spotting the Chinese vessel Xiang Yang Hong 33 deploying a service boat, confirming unauthorized operations, and noted the presence of other Chinese vessels in the area.
  • China's Coast Guard defended the vessel's operations as a legitimate survey and accused the Philippines of harassment and distorting facts, while Beijing stated the research was normal and in accordance with international law.

The Philippine Coast Guard has firmly asserted its stance against China's persistent incursions into Philippine waters, particularly within our exclusive economic zone near the vital Reed Bank.

We will continue to challenge any illegal activities that undermine our sovereignty and sovereign rights.

— PCG commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil GavanStating the Philippine Coast Guard's resolve against China's actions.

The recent sighting of the Chinese research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 33, along with a supporting service boat and numerous other Chinese maritime militia ships, confirms a pattern of illegal and unauthorized activities aimed at undermining our sovereignty and sovereign rights.

We will not stand idly by while our maritime domain is subjected to such blatant violations of international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The Philippine Coast Guard remains vigilant, committed to challenging these illegal actions and protecting our national interests.

The China Coast Guard said a PCG aircraft "deliberately approached and harassed" the Chinese research vessel, and called the vessel's operations "a legitimate marine ecological survey".

— China Coast GuardResponding to the Philippine Coast Guard's accusations.

China's claims that these are 'normal activities' and their accusations of 'harassment' are nothing more than a transparent attempt to distort the facts and deflect from their aggressive actions. We call on the international community to recognize these transgressions and support the Philippines' right to secure its maritime territory.

Chinese research vessels conducting scientific missions in waters considered to be under China's jurisdiction were carrying out "normal activities" in accordance with international law.

— Beijing's embassy in ManilaStating China's position on the research activities.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Straits Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog