Chinese Research Vessel Active in Disputed South China Sea, Philippines Issues Radio Warning

(Central News Agency, Manila 7th, comprehensive foreign report) The Philippine Coast Guard announced today that they have dispatched aircraft to issue a radio warning to a Chinese research vessel appearing in the disputed waters of the South China Sea.

Agence France-Presse reported that the Philippine Coast Guard stated in a declaration that the research vessel named "Xiangyanghong 33," which has the capability to support submersible operations, was operating near a reef in the disputed Spratly Islands.

The statement pointed out that when this Chinese research vessel dispatched a workboat towards Iroquois Reef in the Spratly Islands yesterday, it was discovered by a Coast Guard aircraft, "confirming its continued unauthorized (marine scientific research) operations."

Iroquois Reef is located at the southern tip of Reed Bank, an area that is part of the Spratly Islands and is believed to contain rich 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, as well as 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, "The Philippines has not consented 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 infringed upon the sovereign rights and maritime jurisdiction of the Philippines." (Translator: Kao Chao-fen / Editor: Liu Shu-chin) 1150507

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