Chinese ships have once again swarmed near the Philippine coast in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), according to a maritime monitor.
Ray Powell, a former U.S. military official, reported on X that six Qiong Sansha Yu militia ships were escorting the Haiyang Dizhi 12 Hao research vessel on Monday morning. The ships were conducting a “survey-in-force” just 27 nautical miles off the Palawan coastline.
Powell emphasized that surveying another country’s exclusive economic zone without permission violates international law. The Chinese ships were traveling at a speed of 4-5.1 knots.
The Philippine Navy has not yet commented on the incident.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) announced that the government will not allocate funds for the repairs of BRP Teresa Magbanua, the Coast Guard vessel damaged in a collision with Chinese ships at Escoda Shoal. The ship is still under warranty with Mitsubishi, and local shipbuilders in Danao will be responsible for the repairs.
BRP Teresa Magbanua is expected to be out of service for two to three months. Two other Coast Guard patrol vessels,BRP Bagacay and BRP Cape Engaño, are also undergoing repairs due to damage from Chinese ships.
The recent incidents have further escalated tensions between the Philippines and China over the disputed territory.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “BRP Teresa Magbanua still under warranty – PCG.”
