The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has announced that it will deploy aircraft and vessels to challenge and drive away four Chinese research vessels detected operating in waters near the Spratly Islands. According to a statement shared by the PCG spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela, the vessels are believed to be conducting marine scientific research without the consent of the Philippine government. Commodore Tarriela said this activity violates the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan said they will not tolerate any illegal marine scientific research conducted without the government’s consent. He added that they are deploying aircraft and vessels to challenge and drive away these unauthorized vessels to protect Philippine sovereignty. The development comes amid continued tensions in the South China Sea.
