A Chinese survey vessel, Ke Xue San Hao, has been conducting unauthorized operations within the Philippine exclusive economic zone (EEZ), just 20 nautical miles off the contested Sabina Shoal. The vessel has been zigzagging near Sabina Shoal for about 10 days, according to Philippine Navy spokesman Rear Adm. Roy Trinidad. Typically, survey ships operate in a linear pattern to collect seabed data, but Ke Xue San Hao’s erratic movements have raised concerns.
China did not request permission for these survey operations, which is significant given its broad and contested claims over the South China Sea, including the Philippine EEZ. This area includes regions invalidated by the 2016 arbitral ruling under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The Philippine Coast Guard had earlier discovered signs of small-scale land reclamation at Sabina Shoal, heightening vigilance due to China’s past activities in the Spratly Islands. The Philippine cutter BRP Teresa Magbanua has been stationed at Sabina Shoal to monitor Chinese movements, while China’s largest cutter, CCG 5901, remains anchored within 800 yards of the Magbanua.
China’s unauthorized deployment of survey vessels is a recurring issue, impacting not only the Philippines but also Taiwan and Vietnam, which have also lodged protests against similar operations in their waters.
