3 Chinese research vessels spotted near Ayungin Shoal

An aerial view shows the BRP Sierra Madre on the contested Second Thomas Shoal, locally known as Ayungin, in the South China Sea, March 9, 2023/ File Pho

MANILA, Philippines — For the first time, three research vessels from China were spotted off Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea, the Philippine Navy said on Tuesday.

These research vessels were monitored on Monday (April 29), according to Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad, who is the Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea.

ADVERTISEMENT

READ: 2 Chinese research vessels ‘loitering’ at Philippine Rise

PH moves to intercept Chinese vessel in EEZ

PCG: Chinese ship passed via Batanes before ‘loitering’ off Catanduanes

Unauthorized presence of Chinese research ship seen off Catanduanes

“I could remember that we have not recorded any research vessel from China in Ayungin Shoal [before],” Trinidad said in a regular Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) regular briefing.

Trinidad attributed the presence of Beijing’s research vessels to the ongoing “Balikatan” war games between Manila and Washington, which will last until May 10.

READ: Unauthorized presence of Chinese research ship seen off Catanduanes

“The three Chinese research vessels in Ayungin Shoal and one [on] the east coast, coinciding with BK (Balikatan), it is their way of showing that they are not deterred, they are not scared from what is happening in the West Philippine Sea,” Trinidad said.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.

EDITORS’ PICK

MOST READ

View comments