Chinese Research Vessel Near Batanes Can Locate Subsea Cables
CHINESE VESSEL – The presence of a Chinese research vessel near Batanes is drawing serious attention after officials raised concerns over its ability to locate subsea cables considered vital to the country’s connectivity.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) continues to monitor the movements of the Chinese marine scientific research vessel Jia Hai Ke after it was spotted approximately 37 nautical miles northwest of Itbayat, Batanes.
PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela, said authorities had already taken steps to disrupt what they considered illegal activities being conducted by the vessel.
Three Taiwan Coast Guard ships were likewise observed in the area, reportedly waiting for the Chinese research vessel to leave the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
“It is surprising that even the Taiwan Coast Guard was also seriously looking into the illegal MSR na posibleng gawin ng Chinese research vessel na ito,” Tarriela said.
Tarriela explained that marine scientific research within a coastal state’s EEZ requires the permission or authorization of that state under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). He also noted that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) had not issued authorization for the activities involving Jia Hai Ke.
He emphasized that the vessel’s capabilities were a major reason for concern, particularly because it could potentially identify the location of underwater telecommunications infrastructure.
“Itong Chinese research vessel na ito, kaya ito concerning is because it has the capability to locate some sea cables,” Tarriela said.
“Ibig sabihin, underneath sa karagatan. itong critical infrastructure natin, yung sub-sea cables which is our national interest concerning telecommunications, banking, and connectivity,” he added.
Tarriela also pointed to previous concerns involving Chinese vessels and damage to subsea cables.
“China has been always identified as the vessel na nagconduct nito. Chinese government will not admit it but China is always the notorious country who has always been mentioned whenever there are accidental or intentional cutting off subsea cables,” Tarriela said.
He stressed that foreign vessels are allowed to pass through the Philippine EEZ under freedom of navigation, but such passage does not permit them to conduct research or other activities without authorization.
According to Tarriela, Jia Hai Ke remained stationary near Batanes for a period of time, raising further concerns.
“We suspect she also dropped some instrument to carry out an illegal MSR,” Tarriela added.
Tarriela also criticized the Chinese embassy over what he described as inconsistent statements concerning Chinese researchers and scholars.
“Gusto ko interviewhin ng media si Ambassador Jing Quan, itanong kung ang position ng China has changed already,” Tarriela said.
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