MANILA — The Philippine Coast Guard has accused China of conducting illegal marine scientific research near the oil and gas-rich Reed bank within Manila’s exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea, according to a Thursday statement.
“We will continue to challenge any illegal activities that undermine our sovereignty and sovereign rights,” PCG commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan said.
- PCG aircraft spotted Chinese research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 33 near Iroquois Reef during a maritime patrol on May 6.
- The PCG said the Chinese vessel was seen deploying a service boat toward the reef, confirming the ongoing “unauthorized” research operations.
- One Chinese Coast Guard vessel and 13 Chinese maritime militia ships were also seen around the reef, it added.
- It said the Chinese research vessel departed China on April 15 and conducted operations near Second Thomas Shoal, Sabina Shoal, Mischief Reef, and Jackson Atoll in recent weeks.
- The PCG also monitored 28 Chinese maritime militia ships near Thitu island during the same maritime patrol.
- The Philippines said China had no authorization to conduct the marine research and called it a violation of Philippine sovereign rights as well as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
- Beijing’s embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
—Reporting by Nestor Corrales; Editing by David Stanway