Chinese research ship 'Kexue' spotted in Philippine waters anew
MANILA, Philippines — Chinese research vessel "Kexue," which conducted research in the Philippine eastern waters earlier this year, was again located 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.
China's oceanographic survey ship Kexue is back in the Philippine Sea. On October 25 it operated less than 20 nautical miles off the coast of Mindanao. Probably deploying (or recovering) instruments moored to the sea floor. Was it there with Manila's permission? (file photo) pic.twitter.com/W0BEfz7eSQ
— Ryan Martinson (@rdmartinson88) October 31, 2018
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.
Rep. Gary Alejano (Magdalo Party-list) had slammed the DFA for allowing the Institute of Oceanology of Chinese Academy of Sciences to conduct research in Philippine waters earlier this year.
“In particular, we should be wary on the sharing of information that will be culled from the said expedition. Filipino scientists on board should be given equal access to all results of the research activity,” Alejano said.
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