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., This news data comes from:http://ybrmi.052298.com
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.
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.
Chinese research vessel spotted near Philippine coast but 'goes dark' after, says maritime expert
As of posting time, Philippine authorities have yet to issue a statement on the reported movement of the Chinese vessel.
- Hontiveros urges probe on Chinese faking Filipino identity
- Hopes dim for Putin-Zelenskyy peace summit
- Court rules on subdivision open spaces, road lots
- 17 House lawmakers press Marcos administration to raise WPS issue to UN
- Indonesia protests put spotlight on paramilitary police force
- Duterte defense files more motions challenging ICC prosecutor
- Macron says 26 countries pledge troops as a reassurance force for Ukraine after war ends
- Marcos opens Hyundai's shipyard in PH
- NHA gives cash aid to families affected by calamity in Manila
- UK refuses to invite Israeli government officials to London arms fair over the war in Gaza
