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The Philippines dispatched a coast guard plane over the weekend to intercept a Chinese research vessel as it returned to the country’s maritime zone after an extended mission east of Guam. According to ship tracking data provided by the Philippine coast guard and confirmed by Newsweek, the vessel, Xiang Yang Hong 05, had spent more than five weeks operating near US territory before heading back toward the Philippines.
Newsweek reached out to both the Chinese Foreign Ministry and the U.S. Seventh Fleet for comments outside of office hours.
### Why It Matters
China claims nearly all of the South China Sea as its territory, a critical shipping route for about one-third of global maritime traffic. This claim puts China at odds with several neighbors, including the Philippines, which has since 2023 stepped up its challenge to Chinese presence in the U.S. treaty ally’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
An EEZ extends 200 nautical miles from a claimant state’s coast and prohibits foreign fishing and research activities without permission under international maritime law.
### What Happened
Philippine Coast Guard Chief Ronnie Gil Gavan ordered a Philippine aircraft to conduct a maritime domain awareness patrol on Saturday. The aircraft intercepted the Xiang Yang Hong 05 off the northeastern tip of Cagayan province, but the vessel did not respond when challenged by the plane.
According to historical ship tracking data based on satellite technology, the Xiang Yang Hong 05 departed from Guangzhou, China, on June 5. From June 14 to July 24, it conducted a “lawnmower pattern” of seafloor mapping east of Guam’s EEZ.
Guam, home to several major US military bases, lies within the second island chain—a strategic arc that includes Japan’s Ogasawara Islands, Palau, and parts of Micronesia. Washington considers this region critical in the event of conflict with China.
### Analysis
The Xiang Yang Hong 05 is part of a family of research vessels whose presence has increased tensions in the maritime zones of China’s neighbors. It was among three other tracked Chinese ships near the Philippines’ EEZ last week, including the Bei Diao 996 and the Zhuhai Yun.
### Official Statements
A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in the Philippines stated: “The reason some Philippine officials repeatedly make statements that distort and attack China’s position is likely an attempt to escalate tensions between the two countries and mislead the international community.”
### Conclusion
Chinese maritime activities, including surveys and coast guard patrols in disputed areas, are expected to continue. The Philippines will likely continue challenging these vessels, which analysts say aim to normalize Beijing’s expansive claims.
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Note: This summary omits some details and quotes for clarity and conciseness.
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What action did the Philippines take in response to a Chinese research vessel entering its maritime zone?
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