Navy confirms Chinese ships near Philippine Rise

MANILA, Philippines —  The Philippine Navy confirmed yesterday the presence of two Chinese research or survey ships within the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) near the Philippine Rise.

However, the military said there is no reason to be alarmed, considering how the Xiang Yang Hong 03 and the Zhang Jian appear to be moving southbound and are simply passing through the eastern seaboard in an effort to evade Typhoon Marce.

Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, Philippine Navy spokesman for the West Philippine Sea, said one of the vessels was spotted approximately 350 nautical miles south of the Philippine Rise while the other was seen 120 nautical miles east of Catanduanes as of Tuesday afternoon.

“Based on their tracks, it can be deduced that they’re avoiding the typhoon,” he told reporters, noting that the entry of the Chinese research ships was indeed monitored.

Trinidad assured the public there is “no cause for alarm” and that the vessels are “too far away to challenge through radio communications and unless seeking assistance, no need to send a ship.”

“But we will continue monitoring,” he said, adding that the Philippine Navy was able to monitor the presence of the Chinese vessels as early as two days ago.