By Pexcel John Bacon
THE Philippines conducted a routine flight to challenge China, accusing it of conducting “illegal” marine scientific research (MSR) activities and swarming in Spratly Islands (Kalayaan Island Group), its coast guard said on Thursday.
During a maritime domain awareness (MDA) flight, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) aircraft Islander 4177 reportedly spotted the Chinese oceanographic research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 33, anchored approximately 7.34 nautical miles west of Rozul Reef, according to a statement shared by PCG spokesman Jay Tarriela over X.
The PCG noted the vessel deployed a service boat heading toward the reef, confirming ongoing “unauthorized” MSR operations.
Chinese Coast Guard vessel (CCGV) BN 5309 was also monitored at the same location, while 13 Chinese Maritime Militia vessels anchored around it.
“The PCG, in compliance with the firm stand of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., remains steadfast in exercising our mandate to monitor and protect the Philippines’ maritime domain in accordance with international law,” Philippine Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil L. Gavan was quoted as saying.
“We will continue to conduct lawful MDA operations and will continue to challenge any illegal activities that undermine our sovereignty and sovereign rights.”
Based on Canada’s Dark Vessel Detection system, the PCG said the Xiang Yang Hong 33 departed China on April 15 and conducted survey activities in various parts of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
The vessel was reportedly monitored at Ayungin Shoal from April 20 to 22, Escoda Shoal from April 22 to 28, and other areas such as Arella Reef, Bulig Shoal, Panganiban Reef, Quirino Atoll, and Rozul Reef before proceeding to Jacinto Reef and Diego Silang Reef on May 6.
While approaching Thitu Island (Pag-asa Island), the PCG said its aircraft also spotted 28 Chinese Maritime Militia vessels anchored side by side and scattered around Cay 1 and Cay 2. A Chinese Coast Guard vessel, CCGV 5101, was also spotted about two nautical miles west of the island.
UNCLOS VIOLATION
The PCG said this is a clear violation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which states that permission from the coastal state is required before conducting marine scientific research within its exclusive economic zone.
“The Philippines has not granted such consent to the PRC (People’s Republic of China) for any MSR activities in these waters,” the PCG said.
It added the presence of the research vessel and Maritime Militia vessels is a “serious infringement” on the sovereign rights and maritime jurisdiction of the Philippines.
China’s alleged unauthorized marine scientific research within the Philippine’s exclusive economic zone is a direct violation of the UNCLOS, according to Chester B. Cabalza, president and founder of International Development and Security Cooperation.
Mr. Cabalza told BusinessWorld that coastal states like the Philippines have the right to control, authorize, and conduct marine scientific research within their EEZ.
“Chinese unauthorized marine scientific research is a direct violation of UNCLOS where coastal states like the Philippines have the right to regulate, authorize, and conduct MSR in their own EEZ,” he said via Facebook Messenger.
He added that the widespread presence of foreign ships in Philippine waters could cause damage to coral and other marine resources.
“Large-scale foreign vessel presence often leads to coral destruction, and the Philippines can frame this as a violation of the obligation to protect and preserve the marine environment,” he said.
He said the 2016 arbitral ruling remains the Philippines’ strongest legal weapon, but noted it is important for the country to strengthen its presence in the claimed maritime features.
“Basing the frontline by building permanent, civilian-military pier and logistics hub in our claimed maritime features are crucial and important,” he said.
He also said that multinational joint patrols and multi-agency task forces can help strengthen the country’s naval diplomacy and deterrence mechanisms against so-called gray zone operations.
FALSE NARRATIVE
Meanwhile, the Chinese Embassy denied the PCG’s allegations and accused Mr. Tarriela of allegedly spreading a “false narrative” about tensions in the South China Sea.
In a statement, Chinese Embassy Deputy Spokesperson Guo Wei said that China has “indisputable sovereignty” over Spratly Islands, which it calls Nansha Qundao, and adjacent waters, including reefs and islands.
He also asserted that Chinese Research Vessels conducting scientific missions are in accordance with international law and international practice.
The embassy added China and the Philippines are discussing further cooperation related to marine science and technology.
“Thanks to efforts by both China and the Philippines to manage the maritime situation through diplomatic dialogue, the South China Sea has remained relatively calm recently,” the spokesperson said.
“ China will continue to commit itself to managing differences through dialogue and reducing differences through cooperation, in order to build the South China Sea into a sea of peace and cooperation.”
