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.
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., This news data comes from:http://www.erlvyiwan.com
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.
Chinese research vessel spotted near Philippine coast but 'goes dark' after, says maritime expert
- Comelec to open nearly two-year overseas voter registration for 2028 elections
- House committee subpoenas Sarah Discaya, 4 other contractors over flood control project anomalies
- 10 DPWH execs in Bulacan relieved over ghost flood control projects
- New Zealand to allow some wealthy foreign investors onto property market
- Inoue says taunts 'missed the target' ahead of world title clash
- Labubu fans flock to stores after launch of mini dolls
- Afghan quake death toll surges to over 2,200
- CFO office moves from Quezon City to Pasay
- 1 of 2 suspects in Pasay robbery, rape arrested
- Repairs on Chinese ship in Bajo de Masinloc collision may take 2 months - PH Navy
