Philippines Deploys Largest Coast Guard Ship to Challenge Chinese Research Vessel Near Taiwan

MANILA, October 1, 2026 — The Philippines has deployed its largest coast guard vessel and an aircraft to challenge a Chinese research ship operating near the northern Batanes province, close to Taiwan.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said its 97-metre vessel, BRP Teresa Magbanua, was sent to confront the Chinese-flagged survey ship JIA HAI KE 7, which had been operating about 37 nautical miles northwest of Itbayat Island since September 28.

PCG spokesperson Jay Tarriela said the operation disrupted what Manila described as unauthorised marine scientific research and forced the Chinese vessel to leave the area where it had been loitering.

According to the coast guard, the Teresa Magbanua approached within about 100 yards of the research vessel and deployed a rigid-hull inflatable boat that circled the ship several times while Philippine personnel issued radio warnings.

The PCG said the Chinese research vessel repeatedly manoeuvred to avoid the Philippine boats during the operation.

A Chinese coast guard vessel later arrived and attempted to shield the survey ship, while also issuing radio challenges to the Philippine vessel.

The Philippine Coast Guard said the involvement of the Chinese coast guard raised concerns because JIA HAI KE 7 is privately owned. Manila said this raised questions about the vessel's possible links to the Chinese government and the purpose of data it may have collected near undersea cable corridors around Batanes and the Luzon Strait.

The PCG said the operation was continuing and that the Teresa Magbanua would monitor the Chinese vessel to ensure it left the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.

However, the Chinese Embassy in Manila rejected the Philippine account, saying the research vessel was conducting normal operations in waters under China's jurisdiction. Beijing accused the Philippines of harassment and called on Manila to stop interfering with China's scientific research activities.

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