Philippines Challenges Unauthorized Chinese Research and Militia Swarming

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) deployed aircraft to challenge unauthorized marine scientific research and the presence of Chinese maritime militia vessels within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone between May 6 and May 7, 2026. PCG flights monitored the research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 33 deploying a service boat near Rozul Reef and Iroquois Reef, as well as the presence of up to 41 Chinese maritime militia vessels anchored near Pag-asa Island, Rozul Reef, and the Philippine-occupied Thitu Island.

Philippine officials stated that the Xiang Yang Hong 33 had been conducting unauthorized survey operations since April 15 across multiple features, including Ayungin Shoal, Escoda Shoal, and Panganiban Reef. The PCG described these activities and the militia swarming as a "serious infringement on Philippine sovereign rights and maritime jurisdiction," noting that the Philippines had not granted consent for such research.

The China Coast Guard responded by accusing a Philippine Islander aircraft of deliberately harassing the Xiang Yang Hong 33 while it performed an ecological survey near Houteng Jiao. A Chinese spokesperson dismissed Philippine allegations as a "distortion of facts," while the Chinese Embassy in Manila cited "historic rights" to the territory. The PCG pledged to continue lawful maritime domain awareness operations to challenge activities that undermine Philippine sovereignty.