Chinese Research Vessel Active in Disputed South China Sea, Philippines Issues Radio Warning
The Philippine Coast Guard issued a radio warning to a Chinese research vessel, "Xiangyanghong 33," operating in the disputed South China Sea. The Philippines claims sovereignty infringement, noting the presence of 41 Chinese maritime militia vessels in the area.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 7, 2026 at 21:43
- 🔍 Collected: May 7, 2026 at 22:02 (18 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 7, 2026 at 22:43 (41 min after Collected)
Central News Agency
(Central News Agency, Manila, May 7, comprehensive foreign report) The Philippine Coast Guard said today that they have dispatched aircraft to issue radio warnings to a Chinese research vessel operating in the disputed waters of the South China Sea.
Agence France-Presse reported that the Philippine Coast Guard stated in a statement that the research vessel named "Xiangyanghong 33" has the capability to support submersible operations and was operating near a reef in the disputed Spratly Islands.
The statement pointed out that the Chinese research vessel yesterday dispatched a workboat towards Iroquois Reef in the Spratly Islands, and was discovered by a Coast Guard aircraft, "confirming its continued unauthorized (marine scientific research) operations."
Iroquois Reef is located at the southern end of Reed Bank, an area that is part of the Spratly Islands and is believed to be rich in natural gas and oil resources.
During this flight, the Manila Coast Guard also found 41 maritime militia vessels anchored in the waters around Iroquois Reef and near Thitu Island, which is actually controlled by the Philippines. Thitu Island has about 400 Filipino residents and a newly established Coast Guard station.
The Coast Guard pointed out that "the Philippines has not agreed to any (marine scientific research) activities by the People's Republic of China in these waters."
"The presence of this research vessel and the large-scale gathering of Chinese maritime militia vessels have seriously violated the sovereign rights and maritime jurisdiction of the Philippines." (Translator: Gao Zhaofen / Proofreader: Liu Shuqin) 1150507
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(Central News Agency, Manila, May 7, comprehensive foreign report) The Philippine Coast Guard said today that they have dispatched aircraft to issue radio warnings to a Chinese research vessel operating in the disputed waters of the South China Sea.
Agence France-Presse reported that the Philippine Coast Guard stated in a statement that the research vessel named "Xiangyanghong 33" has the capability to support submersible operations and was operating near a reef in the disputed Spratly Islands.
The statement pointed out that the Chinese research vessel yesterday dispatched a workboat towards Iroquois Reef in the Spratly Islands, and was discovered by a Coast Guard aircraft, "confirming its continued unauthorized (marine scientific research) operations."
Iroquois Reef is located at the southern end of Reed Bank, an area that is part of the Spratly Islands and is believed to be rich in natural gas and oil resources.
During this flight, the Manila Coast Guard also found 41 maritime militia vessels anchored in the waters around Iroquois Reef and near Thitu Island, which is actually controlled by the Philippines. Thitu Island has about 400 Filipino residents and a newly established Coast Guard station.
The Coast Guard pointed out that "the Philippines has not agreed to any (marine scientific research) activities by the People's Republic of China in these waters."
"The presence of this research vessel and the large-scale gathering of Chinese maritime militia vessels have seriously violated the sovereign rights and maritime jurisdiction of the Philippines." (Translator: Gao Zhaofen / Proofreader: Liu Shuqin) 1150507
Choose to stand with facts, every sponsorship is the power to protect press freedom.
Download the Central News Agency "First-hand News" APP to grasp the latest news instantly.
The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, publicly transmitted, or utilized without authorization.