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Philippines-China maritime disputes

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2026-09-28 21:13 UTC → 2026-10-02 06:27 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Tensions between the Philippines and China in the South China Sea and surrounding waters have intensified through various maritime activities. Initially, the Philippines proceeded with construction of shelter port works on Lawak Island despite Chinese protests. During this period, the Philippine Coast Guard reported that the Chinese survey vessel Haiyang Dizhi Shihao had operated within the Philippine exclusive economic zone for 25 days, conducting unauthorized marine scientific research near Panatag Shoal. Following these developments, the Philippine Coast Guard accused the Chinese research vessel Jia Hai Ke 7 of spoofing its location near the Batanes island group. The vessel was detected approximately 38 nautical miles northwest of Itbayat, an area close to Taiwan. Authorities noted the ship appeared to broadcast false Automatic Identification System (AIS) positions, claiming movements that were described as “physically impossible.” The presence of the vessel in the Luzon Strait has raised concerns regarding the security of undersea communications infrastructure. More recently, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs reported that Jia Hai Ke 7 was conducting unauthorized marine scientific research within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone, which Manila stated is a violation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Simultaneously, Beijing has rejected a maritime chart released by the Philippine National Maritime Council on September 25. The chart, which covers features in the Kalayaan Island Group such as Pag-asa and Lawak Islands, was characterized by China as “illegal and invalid,” with Beijing claiming it undermines its sovereignty over the Nansha Islands. The Philippine Coast Guard has also reported confrontations involving the removal of Chinese maritime militia and fishing vessels near Kota Island.

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