The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has spotted three Chinese research ships sailing in the West Philippine Sea. According to Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for the WPS, the ships were detected using the Dark Vessel Detection Program from the Canadian government.
The ship Bei Diao 996 was located 40 nautical miles west of Bajo de Masinloc (Panatag Shoal). Meanwhile, the Xiang Yang Hong 10 and Zhuhai Yun were 195 nautical miles off the coast of Rizal, Palawan. The ships reportedly departed from Guangdong, China in mid-June.
The Bei Diao 996 is suspected of conducting illegal marine scientific research near Panatag Shoal, while two others are doing similar activities around Balagtas Reef. Tarriela said the Bei Diao 996 is China's largest test ship for deep-sea operations, while the Xiang Yang Hong 10 is capable of conducting deep-sea surveys and deploying unmanned vehicles. The Zhuhai Yun is the world's first intelligent unmanned drone carrier capable of conducting oceanographic research and possibly military use.
PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan ordered his personnel to block and challenge ships to prevent research within the Philippines' 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone.
