PCG drives away Chinese research vessel off Batanes

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.

“A government law enforcement ship moving to shield a supposedly private research vessel conducting illegal MSR in another country’s exclusive economic zone raises serious questions about who Jia Hai Ke 7 is really working for,” the PCG official said.

The PCG confirmed the presence of Jia Hai Ke 7 about 37 nautical miles northwest of Itbayat, Batanes using a dark vessel detection on Sept. 28.

Authorities said the research ship used a spoofing tool for its automatic identification system as it registered its location in Papua New Guinea just 20 hours after it set sail from China.

“Jia Hai Ke 7 has held its position in the same waters for four days, which is a clear indication that it is conducting MSR,” said Tarriela, stressing that the Department of Foreign Affairs has not given its consent to the Chinese vessel’s research activity.

Tarriela also raised concerns over the data the vessel may have collected from undersea cable corridors in the Luzon Strait, which, he stressed, are part of the country’s critical infrastructure.

The PCG said the research vessel left its position at 11:42 a.m., moving away from Itbayat, Batanes at 4.6 knots.

Tarriela said the Teresa Magbanua will continue to shadow Jia Hai Ke 7 until it exits the country’s exclusive economic zone.

Amid the latest Chinese’ maritime incursion, the Philippines rejected Beijing’s call for Manila to stop raising the sea dispute and the arbitral ruling, at the 81st UN General Assembly.

Exercising its right to reply to China’s call, the Philippines said its “legal position is well established” under UNCLOS and the 2016 arbitral ruling.

Sun Lei, China’s deputy permanent representative to the UN, raised the call earlier before the UN.

“There is no legal basis for China’s expansive maritime claims, including claims based on historic rights, and that the freedom of navigation, overflight, and other lawful uses of the sea under UNCLOS must be respected,” Manila said.

States oppose coercive or destabilizing conduct, including the use of coast guard, military, or maritime militia forces to harass or obstruct lawful operations and the parties should abide by the award and resolve disputes peacefully in accordance with international law.

The Philippines also rejected any suggestion that its lawful exercise of sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction constitutes provocation.

“The Philippines remains concerned by actions at sea that interfere with the exercise of its rights and jurisdiction in its maritime zones and that create risks to Philippine vessels and personnel,” Manila said.

Security meetings

Meanwhile, Finland’s Ambassador Saija Nurminen paid a courtesy visit on Wednesday to Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Antonio Nafarrete and discussed strengthening bilateral defense and security cooperation.

Also on Wednesday, the Philippines and Sweden held high-level discussions aimed at further enhancing cooperation between the two countries.

The Department of National Defense (DND) and Sweden’s defense ministry convened for the 3rd Philippines–Sweden Joint Committee Meeting on Logistics and Defense Industry Cooperation in Mandaluyong City.

“The Joint Committee Meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of the Philippines and Sweden to sustaining dialogue, enhancing interoperability, and promoting mutually beneficial defense cooperation founded on mutual respect, shared interests, and adherence to international law,” DND spokesman Arsenio Andolong said.

He said the meeting reaffirmed “both countries’ commitment to deepening bilateral defense cooperation and exploring practical areas of collaboration in support of regional peace, stability, and defense resilience.” –  Pia Lee-Brago, Michael Punongbayan