NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Philippine Coast Guard Tracks Chinese Research Vessel In Sensitive Waters Near Cagayan
Photo credit: PCG
In a firm step to uphold the country’s maritime rights, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, Commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), has directed the deployment of a PCG aircraft to conduct a Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) patrol, following the recent detection of the Chinese research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 05 operating near Sta. Ana, Cagayan.
The patrol flight was conducted yesterday afternoon, during which the PCG aircraft visually confirmed the presence of Xiang Yang Hong 05 approximately 14.92 nautical miles off Babuyan Island. Despite being challenged by the aircraft, the vessel did not respond to PCG communication attempts.
This latest movement by Xiang Yang Hong 05 is part of a longer pattern. After departing Guangdong, China on June 5, 2025, the vessel entered the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) on June 7, around 130 nautical miles off Burgos, Ilocos Norte. It exited two days later but re-entered Philippine waters on July 31.
Between those entries, the vessel conducted an extended marine scientific research mission—spanning 22 days—along a parallel track in the Pacific Ocean, roughly 42 nautical miles from Guam. Its most recent position, as of this morning, was detected via Automatic Identification System (AIS) roughly 86 nautical miles off Calayan Island, Cagayan.
The Xiang Yang Hong 05 is a newer member of China’s growing fleet of research vessels, notably converted from a cargo ship. While officially categorized for scientific purposes, its presence in sensitive and contested maritime areas has raised regional concerns. Vessels in the Xiang Yang Hong series have previously been linked to China’s military research and strategic operations, some even tracing back to ballistic missile support missions in the late 20th century.
The Philippine Coast Guard has reiterated its commitment to defending the country’s maritime jurisdiction. With continued MDA operations and close monitoring of foreign vessels within the EEZ, the PCG underscores its role in safeguarding national security and upholding international maritime law.
The patrol flight was conducted yesterday afternoon, during which the PCG aircraft visually confirmed the presence of Xiang Yang Hong 05 approximately 14.92 nautical miles off Babuyan Island. Despite being challenged by the aircraft, the vessel did not respond to PCG communication attempts.
This latest movement by Xiang Yang Hong 05 is part of a longer pattern. After departing Guangdong, China on June 5, 2025, the vessel entered the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) on June 7, around 130 nautical miles off Burgos, Ilocos Norte. It exited two days later but re-entered Philippine waters on July 31.
Between those entries, the vessel conducted an extended marine scientific research mission—spanning 22 days—along a parallel track in the Pacific Ocean, roughly 42 nautical miles from Guam. Its most recent position, as of this morning, was detected via Automatic Identification System (AIS) roughly 86 nautical miles off Calayan Island, Cagayan.
The Xiang Yang Hong 05 is a newer member of China’s growing fleet of research vessels, notably converted from a cargo ship. While officially categorized for scientific purposes, its presence in sensitive and contested maritime areas has raised regional concerns. Vessels in the Xiang Yang Hong series have previously been linked to China’s military research and strategic operations, some even tracing back to ballistic missile support missions in the late 20th century.
The Philippine Coast Guard has reiterated its commitment to defending the country’s maritime jurisdiction. With continued MDA operations and close monitoring of foreign vessels within the EEZ, the PCG underscores its role in safeguarding national security and upholding international maritime law.
Aug 4, 2025
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