The Philippine Navy (PN) has confirmed the passage of the Chinese research vessel Lang Hai 101 near the eastern coast of Palawan on Sunday, February 9.
In a statement, PN spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, said the vessel was detected through the Littoral Monitoring Station (LMS) Melville.
A radio challenge was immediately issued to the Chinese ship regarding its presence in Philippine waters.
Trinidad explained that Lang Hai 101 took the eastern route of Palawan due to unfavorable sea conditions in the western part.
The Chinese personnel on board assured that their vessel would continue its passage while adhering to the rights of innocent passage through Philippine archipelagic sea lanes, exiting near Coron, Palawan.
To ensure navigational safety and uphold sovereignty, the Western Command deployed the PN vessel BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS-17) and the Philippine Coast Guard vessel BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702) to escort Lang Hai 101.
By 5:50 PM, the vessel was spotted 19.05 nautical miles from Tinituan Island, Cuyo, Palawan.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) remains vigilant in monitoring the maritime activities of Chinese vessels, reaffirming its commitment to national security. The deployment of naval and coast guard assets underscores a collaborative approach in addressing maritime challenges.
Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun defended the presence of the Chinese fishing research vessel in Philippine archipelagic waters.
Former US defense attaché Ray Powell previously reported that a second Lang Hai 101 vessel was also heading toward the northern waters of the country.
Guo stated that China’s presence in the West Philippine Sea is legal, rooted in historical claims, and aligned with international practices.
However, Rear Admiral Trinidad emphasized that the Philippine Navy once again issued a radio challenge to the vessel as it had already entered Philippine territorial waters in Palawan.
Trinidad acknowledged that the ship may have passed through due to inclement weather but stressed the need to ensure its departure from Philippine territory.