A Chinese fisheries research vessel has been spotted navigating through the Philippines’ archipelagic waters, raising fresh concerns over Beijing’s continued presence in the area.
Ray Powell, director of SeaLight and head of Stanford University’s Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation, revealed on X (formerly Twitter) that the Chinese vessel Song Hang is currently passing through Philippine waters en route to the Celebes Sea.
“China’s fisheries research vessel Song [Hang] is now transiting the Philippines’ archipelagic waters on its way south toward the Celebes Sea,” Powell posted.
According to Powell, the 85-meter ship—operated by Shanghai Ocean University—left Shanghai on March 26. The vessel was earlier described in 2017 by state media China Daily as the country’s “first oceangoing fishery survey ship.”
This isn’t the first time a Chinese research vessel has traversed through Philippine waters. In February, the Lan Hai 101, one of China’s biggest fisheries research ships, also sailed inside the country’s archipelagic zone, including waters between Busuanga and Mindoro islands.
Powell refrained from speculating on the intent behind the voyages but previously told INQUIRER.net: “One certainly could wonder if its purpose was to demonstrate that China doesn’t recognize the Philippines’ new archipelagic sea lanes.”
The Philippines recently passed two key maritime laws—one defining the country’s maritime zones and another establishing archipelagic sea lanes to safeguard sovereignty and regulate passage through its waters.
China, however, continues to assert sweeping claims over most of the South China Sea, including parts of the West Philippine Sea—an assertion invalidated by the 2016 arbitral ruling in favor of Manila.
Despite this, Beijing has maintained control over key areas like the Panatag Shoal following a 2012 standoff, underscoring ongoing tensions between the two nations.
