Philippines and Taiwan monitor Chinese vessels in overlapping EEZ

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration are monitoring Chinese vessels operating in the overlapping exclusive economic zones (EEZ) of the Philippines and Taiwan in the Luzon Strait.

Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Jay Tarriela reported that the Chinese research vessel Jia Hai Ke 7 was stationary for nearly three days northwest of Itbayat, Batanes. Authorities suspect the vessel may have deployed instruments to conduct unauthorized marine scientific research (MSR) in the area. While foreign vessels may exercise freedom of navigation within the EEZ, the PCG noted the ship remained stationary rather than making continuous passage.

Tarriela highlighted that Jia Hai Ke 7 has the capability to locate subsea cables, which are critical for telecommunications and banking. However, he stated there is no direct evidence linking the vessel's activities to recent internet connectivity issues in parts of Luzon.

Simultaneously, the Taiwan Coast Guard Administration confirmed it deployed three patrol vessels to monitor Chinese activity south of Oluanpi. The agency stated these deployments were conducted in accordance with standard procedures to monitor vessels in the overlapping EEZ.