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., This news data comes from:http://wsg.052298.com
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.
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.
Chinese research vessel spotted near Philippine coast but 'goes dark' after, says maritime expert
As of posting time, Philippine authorities have yet to issue a statement on the reported movement of the Chinese vessel.
- PNP chief Torre relieved, Nartatez to take over
- House holds budget review with 21 civil society organizations
- Marcos willing to submit to a lifestyle check
- Ukraine eyes defense deal with PH that includes co-production of drones, says envoy
- Hopes dim for Putin-Zelenskyy peace summit
- Brawner orders troops: Stop China from boarding BRP Sierra Madre at all costs
- Thailand acting PM moves to dissolve parliament — party
- DoTr seeks higher budget for 2026, requests P531B amid cuts
- Youth group to SC: Stop postponement of BSKE
- Repairs on Chinese ship in Bajo de Masinloc collision may take 2 months - PH Navy
