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.
Chinese research vessel spotted near Philippine coast but 'goes dark' after, says maritime expert
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.
Chinese research vessel spotted near Philippine coast but 'goes dark' after, says maritime expert
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://gangzhifhm.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.
As of posting time, Philippine authorities have yet to issue a statement on the reported movement of the Chinese vessel.
- WBO champ looms as Pacquiao’s next opponent
- Konektadong Pinoy Bill has lapsed into law — Palace
- Marcos declares holidays for 2026
- US strike marks shift to military action against drug cartels
- Philippine experts urge harm reduction strategy for tobacco control
- Suspect in 2012 killing of Dutch aid worker freed
- 13 massage therapists robbed, 2 cry rape
- DILG denies claims ex-PNP chief ousted over firearms purchase
- Vico encourages citizens on Heroes’ Day to be brave
- Mass housing developers laud Pag-IBIG Fund
