The Philippines has deployed a coast guard vessel and an aircraft to challenge and escort a Chinese research ship that it alleges was conducting illegal marine scientific research activities within the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said in a statement on Monday that the Chinese Research Vessel (CRV) Tan Suo 3 was detected entering the Philippines’ EEZ on May 1, 2025, approximately 92 nautical miles off the northern Ilocos coast.
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“Their irregular movements were deemed inconsistent with the freedom of navigation and indicative of marine scientific research activities, which violate the sovereign rights of the Philippines,” the PCG stated.
The PCG reported launching a maritime law enforcement operation to challenge the Chinese vessel’s presence and prevent it from continuing its “unlawful activities.”
During the operation, the PCG said it observed a manned deep-sea submersible, named the Shenhai Yongshi or Deep-Sea Warrior, being retrieved by the Chinese vessel. The submersible is capable of diving to 4,500 meters (2.8 miles) and is typically used for deep-sea exploration and scientific missions, according to the PCG.
The PCG also reported observing a Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat recovering a yellow-colored, unidentified piece of equipment potentially related to marine research.
“These actions of the CRV serves as clear evidence that the People’s Republic of China are conducting illegal marine scientific research activities within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, lacking the legal authority to undertake such activities in this area,” the PCG said.
The Chinese Embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
