PCG drives away Chinese research vessel off Batanes
The Philippine Coast Guard successfully drove away a Chinese research vessel from waters near Batanes after detecting it conducting unauthorized marine research. Officials expressed concern that the vessel may have been mapping critical undersea infrastructure.
Why it matters
This incident underscores ongoing maritime territorial disputes and concerns over national security regarding critical infrastructure in the West Philippine Sea.
MANILA, Philippines - A Chinese research vessel retreated from the waters of Itbayat, Batanes yesterday after "sustained pressure" from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
According to PCG spokesman for the West Philippine Sea Rear Adm. Jay Tarriela, BRP Teresa Magbanua approached Jia Hai Ke 7 and launched a rigid-hull inflatable boat to disrupt the research vessel's "illegal marine scientific research" activity in the area.
The PCG also deployed an aircraft from Basco Airport to support the Teresa Magbanua in driving away the research ship.
Tarriela said the research ship made evasive maneuver as the Teresa Magbanua continued issuing radio challenges. A China Coast Guard vessel with bow number CCG-2503 arrived in the area and issued its own radio challenge, Tarriela said.
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