MANILA, Philippines — A Chinese research vessel approached close to the Philippine coastline on Saturday morning before switching off its tracking system, a maritime security analyst reported.
Retired US Air Force Col. Ray Powell, director of the SeaLight project at Stanford University’s Gordian Knot Center, said that the Dong Fang Hong 3, a 103-meter oceanographic ship, came within 65 nautical miles of the Philippines before going “dark” at 7:12 a.m. local time., This news data comes from:http://uypj-ov-bn-pjl.erlvyiwan.com
The vessel is equipped with advanced oceanographic sensors, multi-beam sonar, and remotely operated vehicles, giving it the capability to conduct seabed mapping, acoustic monitoring, and surveys of underwater infrastructure, Powell noted.
He warned that such activities form part of Beijing’s “gray zone tactics playbook,” in which China mixes legitimate scientific research with assertion of its maritime claims and the gathering of potential military intelligence.
Chinese research vessel spotted near Philippine coast but 'goes dark' after, says maritime expert
Powell’s post, citing tracking data from maritime analytics firm Starboard, comes amid continuing tensions in the West Philippine Sea, where Manila has repeatedly protested Chinese incursions.
As of posting time, Philippine authorities have yet to issue a statement on the reported movement of the Chinese vessel.
- House resumes budget briefings
- Indonesia, US and allies launch joint military drills
- Anti-fake news bill filed anew in House
- Tourists dice with danger on Hanoi's train street
- President Marcos Jr. visits Cambodia to strengthen ties
- Malabon shifts garbage disposal to Rizal landfill after Navotas closure
- Motive probed for US church shooting that killed 2 children, injured 17
- New judge to handle Dengvaxia cases named; hearing set
- Indonesian police officer fired over killing that sparked protests
- Hontiveros pushes P15,000 salary hike for teachers
