MANILA, Philippines — China had no consent from the Philippines to conduct marine scientific research in the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), the National Maritime Council (NMC) said Sunday after a Chinese research vessel was monitored about 37 nautical miles northwest of Itbayat, Batanes.
In a statement, the NMC said the Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the Philippines received no request from China and granted no consent for the Jia Hai Ke 7 to conduct marine scientific research in the area.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) had monitored the vessel since Sept. 28 and on Oct. 1 deployed the BRP Teresa Magbanua and an aircraft to challenge the ship and disrupt what it described as unauthorized research activity. The vessel eventually left the area after sustained pressure from the PCG.
The NMC commended the PCG for its “professionalism, vigilance and restraint” in monitoring the vessel and deploying the Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701), supported by maritime surveillance assets.
The incident came after the Chinese Embassy asserted that China had sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the waters off Batanes. The DFA rejected the claim, saying the vessel was operating within the Philippine EEZ and that Manila had not authorized its research activities.
Under Article 246 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), marine scientific research in a coastal state’s EEZ and continental shelf requires the consent of that state. The DFA has said no such consent was given to the Jia Hai Ke 7.
The NMC said the Philippines exercises its rights and jurisdiction in accordance with UNCLOS and Republic Act 12064, or the Philippine Maritime Zones Act.
“The PCG’s response reflects an important principle of Philippine maritime governance: protecting our rights does not require unnecessary confrontation,” it said. “It requires vigilance, sound judgment, professional conduct, and steadfast commitment to the rule of law,” it added.
The NMC said the incident highlighted the need for sustained maritime domain awareness and closer coordination among government agencies in responding to developments affecting Philippine maritime interests.
It said the Philippines remained committed to the peaceful resolution of disputes and constructive relations with other states while continuing to uphold its sovereign rights and jurisdiction through “appropriate, proportionate, and lawful measures.”
The NMC called on China to stop the “illegal and unauthorized activities” of its vessels in the Philippine EEZ and comply with its obligations under UNCLOS, including the 2016 arbitral award that upheld the Philippines’ sovereign rights and jurisdiction in its EEZ.
