Philippine Armed Forces Reports "Unauthorized Presence" Of Chinese Research Vessel Near Its Islands

The Philippine Armed Forces added that there were "several attempts" to contact the Chinese vessel via regular radio channels but the attempts were unsuccessful.

PHILIPPINES - The Philippine Armed Forces has reported that it detected the "unauthorized presence" of a Chinese research vessel near Catanduanes, an island province in the Bicol Region of Luzon, Philippines.

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According to the Philippine Armed Forces, it has been monitoring the Chinese-flagged research vessel, "Shen Kuo" northeast of Viga, Catanduanes.

The Armed Forces said that the first sighting of the Chinese research vessel was on April 25th, at which time it was 60.9 nautical miles east off of Rapu-Rapu island, Albay.

Photos/Videos/Statements from the Philippine Armed Forces

The Philippine Tactical Operations Wing reported that the vessel was observed "lying-to" in the area and had no personnel on the main deck of the vessel.

The Philippine Armed Forces added that there were "several attempts" to contact the Chinese vessel via regular radio channels but the attempts were unsuccessful, which it said indicated a lack of responsiveness or willingness to engage.

Additionally, the Philippine Armed Forces reported that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the United States Indo-Pacific Command (US-INDOPACOM), and the French Navy conducted a joint Maritime Search and Rescue (MSAR) exercise on April 28 in the West Philippine Sea.

Philippine Armed Forces: AFP detects unauthorized presence of China research vessel near Catanduanes