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.
Chinese research vessel spotted near Philippine coast but 'goes dark' after, says maritime expert, This news data comes from:http://ya.ycyzqzxyh.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.
As of posting time, Philippine authorities have yet to issue a statement on the reported movement of the Chinese vessel.
- Unnamed skeletons? US museum at center of ethical debate
- Putin meets Kim, praises North Korean troops in Russia
- DSWD's guarantee letters now accepted in more establishments
- 95 IMAGES OF MARY
- Konektadong Pinoy bill lapses into law
- House suspends DPWH budget deliberations pending submission of changes by agency, DBM
- Thai opposition's kingmaking summit fails to back new PM
- Lookout bulletins out vs Atong Ang, Barretto
- Cebu Pacific to launch direct flights between Cebu and Palawan
- Nartatez vows fair assignments, better resource management as new PNP chief
