The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has been monitoring an unauthorized Chinese-flagged research vessel, SHEN KUO, spotted northeast of Viga, Catanduanes in the Philippines' EEZ since April 25. The vessel was first sighted just 60.9 nautical miles east off Rapu-Rapu Island. Despite several attempts by the AFP to communicate with the vessel, there has been no response, indicating a lack of willingness to engage. This incident occurs amidst reports of aggressive actions by Chinese vessels in the region, including the use of water cannons against a Philippine ship near Scarborough Shoal.
South China Sea: BBC onboard Philippine ship hit by Chinese water cannons https://t.co/wo6fwm3En1
On board a Philippines coastguard ship, being hounded by at least 5 Chinese vessels, near Scarborough Shoal. Aggressively tactics by the Chinese, completely blocking one Philippines boat and hammering ours with water cannon. https://t.co/lxWsBBDDIR
WATCH: Video shows exact moment a China Coast Guard collided with Philippine vessel BRP Datu Bangkaw near Scarborough Shoal, Tuesday, April 30. @News5PH https://t.co/ughvD6yC2Z
The Armed Forces of the Philippines is monitoring an ‘unauthorized’ Chinese-flagged research vessel spotted northeast of Viga, Catanduanes. Full story: https://t.co/2e07MfoXTF https://t.co/291mzXqAgI
‘Unauthorized’ China research vessel spotted near Catanduanes – AFP https://t.co/gWtVtGJaPQ via @rapplerdotcom
The Armed Forces of the Philippines says there have been several failed attempts to communicate with the Chinese-flagged research vessel, "indicating a lack of responsiveness or willingness to engage." https://t.co/z6Az3TCmnE
‘Unauthorized’ China research vessel spotted near Catanduanes – AFP https://t.co/SIvKdvfH9g
WATCH: The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Sunday, April 28, that it is monitoring an “unauthorized” Chinese-flagged research vessel spotted northeast of Viga, Catanduanes. https://t.co/2e07MfoXTF https://t.co/L7wXCmzUkz
The #Philippines military is monitoring the unauthorized presence of a #Chinese research vessel, “SHEN KUO,” in the northeast of PH's EEZ since April 25. #China can't possibly make claims east of the Philippines, but they violate their EEZ anyway. https://t.co/uyDMQa8Who
.@TeamAFP, in release to media, confirms it is “monitoring the unauthorized presence of a Chinese-flagged research vessel, "SHEN KUO," in the vicinity northeast of Viga, Catanduanes.” Vessel first sighted on April 25, just 60.9 nautical miles east off Rapu-Rapu Island. 📷:AFP https://t.co/HNuxGPMH8G