MANILA — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has tracked three Chinese research vessels allegedly conducting illegal marine scientific research (MSR) within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), using Canada’s Dark Vessel Detection Program to monitor their activities.

PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan has ordered the immediate interception and challenge of the vessels.

The first vessel, BEI DIAO 996, departed Guangdong Province, China, on June 16, 2025, and entered the Philippine EEZ about a week later. It is currently positioned 185 nautical miles off the coast of Zambales and is conducting MSR operations roughly 40 nautical miles west of Bajo de Masinloc. The BEI DIAO 996 is a civilian research vessel with dual-use capabilities, primarily for testing underwater acoustic sensors and sonar equipment. It is recognized as China’s largest test ship for deep-sea operations and the world’s largest SWATH catamaran, built for stable performance in rough sea conditions.

The other two vessels, XIANG YANG HONG 10 and ZHUHAI YUN, left Guangdong on June 23, 2025, and entered the Philippine EEZ on June 25. They were first detected about 200 nautical miles off Bolinao, Pangasinan, and are currently operating 195 nautical miles off the coast of Rizal, Palawan, in what appears to be joint MSR activities near Balagtas Reef.

The XIANG YANG HONG 10 is a multi-purpose research ship capable of deep-sea exploration and supports unmanned autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) for seafloor mapping and environmental monitoring. It is equipped with icebreaking functions and a dynamic positioning system for precise maritime operations.

The ZHUHAI YUN, the world’s first intelligent unmanned drone carrier, is designed for oceanographic research but also has military applications such as mapping submarine routes and deploying smart mines.

The PCG said it remains committed to safeguarding the country’s maritime domain and “will take all necessary actions to enforce laws and protect national interests.”