Chinese research vessel spotted in Escoda Shoal

MANILA, Philippines — A Chinese research vessel has been “surveying” in the vicinity of Escoda (Sabina) Shoal near Palawan since July 25, according to a defense and maritime security expert tracking movements of vessels in the South China Sea.

“China’s research vessel Ke Xue San Hao has been surveying the areas south and east of Sabina Shoal since 25 July, yesterday coming within 40nm (nautical miles) of the Philippines’ island of Palawan,” Ray Powell, a former defense attaché and US Air Force officer, wrote on X yesterday.

“There are several significant maritime features in the surveyed area, including First Thomas Shoal, Half Moon Shoal, Bombay Shoal, Royal Captain Shoal, Northeast Investigator Shoal & Boxall Reef,” he said.

The Philippine names of the features are Bulig Shoal (First Thomas Shoal), Hasa Hasa Shoal (Half Moon Shoal), Kanduli Shoal (Royal Captain Shoal) and Dalagang Bukid Shoal (Northeast Investigator Shoal). Many of them are part of Kalayaan in Palawan.

The Philippine Coast Guard has yet to confirm Powell’s report.

Earlier, PCG spokesman Commodore Jay Tarriela reported that China Coast Guard (CCG) ship with bow number 5901 – said to be the world’s largest coast guard ship with length of 165 meters and weight of 12,000 tons – dropped anchor and remained near Escoda Shoal.

PCG’s 97-meter patrol vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua has been deployed in the area to monitor the movement of the large Chinese ship.

China has established regular presence in Philippine waters in defiance of the 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated its massive claim in the South China. The same ruling, issued by the Permanent Court of Arbitration based in The Hague, also reaffirmed the Philippines’ maritime entitlements.