Chinese research ship seen in Philippine waters anew

Chinese research vessel "Kexue," which conducted research in the Philippine eastern waters earlier this year, was again spotted in the country's territorial waters.

Ryan Martinson, assistant professor at China Maritime Studies Institute, posted on Twitter that the Chinese oceanographic survey ship operated less than 20 nautical miles off the coast of Mindanao on October 25.

"Probably deploying (or recovering) instruments moored to the sea floor. Was it there with Manila's permission?" Martinson said.

The Department of Foreign Affairs is yet to confirm if the Chinese research ship requested for a permit to conduct research in Philippine waters.

In January, the Chinese research vessel conducted marine research in waters off Eastern Luzon after securing a permit from the DFA. Kexue conducted marine exploration in the country's eastern waters, where Philippine or Benham Rise is located, from January 24 to February 25.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang had confirmed the marine scientific research in the Philippines, saying that the cooperation would further strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.

"We welcome Philippine scientific research institutions' participation and would like to work with them to advance maritime practical cooperation in marine research and other fields so as to create a favorable environment for the sound, steady and sustainable development of bilateral ties,” Lu said in January.

Scientists from the University of the Philippines Marine Sciences Institute joined the marine survey of the Chinese researchers as a requirement.

Magdalo Partylist Rep. Gary Alejano earlier slammed the DFA for allowing the Institute of Oceanology of Chinese Academy of Sciences to conduct research in Philippine waters. —