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.
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.
Chinese research vessel spotted near Philippine coast but 'goes dark' after, says maritime expert, This news data comes from:http://www.erlvyiwan.com
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.
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.
As of posting time, Philippine authorities have yet to issue a statement on the reported movement of the Chinese vessel.
- MMDA proposes rainwater facilities in Camp Aguinaldo to mitigate EDSA flooding
- Sara says govt corruption probe a 'zarzuela,' plans to meet Robredo im Bicol festival
- Japan prince comes of age as succession crisis looms
- Islamic State claims deadly attack on Pakistan rally
- Some areas in Metro Manila, Bulacan to have brownouts due to maintenance work
- ₱1.7M shabu seized in Taguig buy-bust
- UN declares famine in Gaza, blames Israel
- Palace suspends govt work, classes in several areas due to bad weather
- 'God's Influencer' to become first millennial saint
- Indonesia protests put spotlight on paramilitary police force
