MANILA, Philippines — A Chinese research vessel approached close to the Philippine coastline on Saturday morning before switching off its tracking system, a maritime security analyst reported., This news data comes from:http://ptansug.gangzhifhm.com
Retired US Air Force Col. Ray Powell, director of the SeaLight project at Stanford University’s Gordian Knot Center, said that the Dong Fang Hong 3, a 103-meter oceanographic ship, came within 65 nautical miles of the Philippines before going “dark” at 7:12 a.m. local time.
The vessel is equipped with advanced oceanographic sensors, multi-beam sonar, and remotely operated vehicles, giving it the capability to conduct seabed mapping, acoustic monitoring, and surveys of underwater infrastructure, Powell noted.
He warned that such activities form part of Beijing’s “gray zone tactics playbook,” in which China mixes legitimate scientific research with assertion of its maritime claims and the gathering of potential military intelligence.
Chinese research vessel spotted near Philippine coast but 'goes dark' after, says maritime expert
Powell’s post, citing tracking data from maritime analytics firm Starboard, comes amid continuing tensions in the West Philippine Sea, where Manila has repeatedly protested Chinese incursions.
As of posting time, Philippine authorities have yet to issue a statement on the reported movement of the Chinese vessel.
- ₱1.7M shabu seized in Taguig buy-bust
- ‘God’s Influencer’ to become first millennial saint
- 1 in 4 people lack access to safe drinking water — UN
- No winner in Ultra, Megalotto draws for Sept 5
- Macron's decision to recognize Palestinian state angers Israel and the US
- Japan PM Ishiba bounces back in polls after election debacle
- Remulla pledges transparency and impartiality as Ombudsman
- House party leaders want to return proposed 2026 budget to Executive
- No Filipino fatalities in New York Tour-Bus crash, says DFA
- Former PNP chief Torre III offered new government post
