MANILA, July 5 (AFP) – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has successfully tracked a large Chinese vessel within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) using Canada’s Dark Vessel Detection technology, officials said Friday.
The 165-meter China Coast Guard ship CCG-5901 departed Hainan on July 1 and entered Philippine waters the following day, according to PCG reports.
On July 3, the vessel traveled to Ayungin Shoal before proceeding to Panganiban Reef and later Escoda Shoal.
PCG vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua issued a radio challenge to the Chinese ship, questioning its intentions and emphasizing its presence within the Philippine EEZ.
As of Friday, the Chinese vessel has been anchored at Escoda Shoal for over two days, maintaining a position less than 800 yards from the Philippine ship.
The incident comes amid ongoing tensions between Manila and Beijing over territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
Philippine authorities did not immediately respond to requests for further comment.
