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Advocates Philippines
Philippine Coast Guard Uses Canadian Tech To Track Unauthorized Chinese Research Vessels In Philippine Waters
Photo from PCG
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has successfully tracked three Chinese research vessels operating without authorization within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), thanks to advanced surveillance support from Canada’s Dark Vessel Detection Program. The vessels are suspected of conducting illegal marine scientific research (MSR), prompting swift action from PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, who ordered their immediate interception and challenge.
The first vessel, BEI DIAO 996, departed Guangdong Province on June 16, 2025, and entered the Philippine EEZ roughly a week later. Currently stationed approximately 185 nautical miles off the coast of Zambales, the vessel has been observed carrying out MSR activities about 40 nautical miles west of Bajo de Masinloc. Although classified as a civilian research ship, BEI DIAO 996 has dual-use capabilities, including underwater acoustic sensor testing and sonar equipment deployment. Notably, it holds the title of China’s largest deep-sea test ship and is recognized as the world’s largest Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull (SWATH) catamaran, engineered for optimal stability even in challenging sea conditions.
Following shortly after were the XIANG YANG HONG 10 and ZHUHAI YUN, which left Guangdong on June 23 and entered Philippine waters on June 25. Satellite tracking revealed their coordinated movement near Balagtas Reef, about 200 nautical miles off Bolinao, Pangasinan. Both vessels are now operating roughly 195 nautical miles off Rizal, Palawan, in what appears to be a joint scientific mission.
The XIANG YANG HONG 10 is a versatile research ship equipped for deep-sea surveys and capable of supporting unmanned autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), often used for tasks like seafloor mapping and environmental monitoring. Its icebreaking capabilities and precision navigation systems underscore its strategic value beyond pure research.
Meanwhile, the ZHUHAI YUN stands out as the world’s first intelligent unmanned drone carrier. Though its design emphasizes oceanographic research, it also carries potential for military applications. Analysts point to its capabilities in submarine route mapping and smart mine deployment as evidence of its dual-use role.
The PCG’s tracking operation demonstrates not only improved maritime domain awareness but also a clear message: the Philippines is taking proactive steps to monitor and challenge unauthorized activities within its maritime boundaries. With enhanced tools and international collaboration, including its partnership with Canada, the PCG is reaffirming its commitment to protecting national interests and upholding maritime law.
The first vessel, BEI DIAO 996, departed Guangdong Province on June 16, 2025, and entered the Philippine EEZ roughly a week later. Currently stationed approximately 185 nautical miles off the coast of Zambales, the vessel has been observed carrying out MSR activities about 40 nautical miles west of Bajo de Masinloc. Although classified as a civilian research ship, BEI DIAO 996 has dual-use capabilities, including underwater acoustic sensor testing and sonar equipment deployment. Notably, it holds the title of China’s largest deep-sea test ship and is recognized as the world’s largest Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull (SWATH) catamaran, engineered for optimal stability even in challenging sea conditions.
Following shortly after were the XIANG YANG HONG 10 and ZHUHAI YUN, which left Guangdong on June 23 and entered Philippine waters on June 25. Satellite tracking revealed their coordinated movement near Balagtas Reef, about 200 nautical miles off Bolinao, Pangasinan. Both vessels are now operating roughly 195 nautical miles off Rizal, Palawan, in what appears to be a joint scientific mission.
The XIANG YANG HONG 10 is a versatile research ship equipped for deep-sea surveys and capable of supporting unmanned autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), often used for tasks like seafloor mapping and environmental monitoring. Its icebreaking capabilities and precision navigation systems underscore its strategic value beyond pure research.
Meanwhile, the ZHUHAI YUN stands out as the world’s first intelligent unmanned drone carrier. Though its design emphasizes oceanographic research, it also carries potential for military applications. Analysts point to its capabilities in submarine route mapping and smart mine deployment as evidence of its dual-use role.
The PCG’s tracking operation demonstrates not only improved maritime domain awareness but also a clear message: the Philippines is taking proactive steps to monitor and challenge unauthorized activities within its maritime boundaries. With enhanced tools and international collaboration, including its partnership with Canada, the PCG is reaffirming its commitment to protecting national interests and upholding maritime law.
Jul 31, 2025
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