Chinese Drilling Ship Near Scarborough Shoal Alarms PH

The Chinese geological survey vessel, Haiyang Dizhi Shihao, entered and remained within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ) for 25 days. A significant portion of this period, three weeks, was spent near Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal, a disputed feature in the South China Sea. The vessel, which is operated by the Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey under China's Ministry of Natural Resources, is notably capable of drilling hundreds of meters deep into the seabed.

The Haiyang Dizhi Shihao has a documented history of deep-drilling operations, which amplifies concerns regarding its presence in Philippine-claimed waters. In 2023, the vessel reportedly drilled a core sample reaching 302.07 meters beneath the seafloor. While the vessel's past activities are well-known, there is no definitive evidence to confirm that actual drilling occurred at Scarborough Shoal during its recent 25-day stay.

Philippine Rear Admiral J. Tristan Tariela confirmed that no permits or authorization were issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs to the Chinese government for the Haiyang Dizhi Shihao to conduct any research in the area. Tariela emphasized the Philippines' sole authority to conduct Marine Scientific Research (MSR) within its own EEZ. The lack of authorization is a primary reason for the alarm raised by Philippine authorities over the vessel's activities.

The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), specifically Article 246, stipulates that coastal states must give consent for Marine Scientific Research (MSR) to be conducted within their exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Furthermore, this consent can be withheld under specific circumstances, such as when the proposed research involves the exploration or exploitation of natural resources, drilling into the continental shelf, or the construction of artificial islands or installations.

The legal status of Scarborough Shoal and surrounding waters is central to the dispute. The 2016 South China Sea arbitration ruling invalidated China's 'nine-dash line' claims, determining they have no legal basis. The tribunal also clarified that Scarborough Shoal is a traditional fishing ground, not an island that generates its own exclusive economic zone. Despite this international ruling, China continues to reject the arbitration, maintaining its claims over the feature and the adjacent waters, leading to ongoing contention.

The Haiyang Dizhi Shihao has a history of conducting survey activities in other sensitive maritime zones. In 2021, the vessel was tracked near Indonesia's Tuna Block, and more recently, in 2024, it was detected operating near the Philippine Rise. These repeated deployments in areas of strategic and economic interest to other nations contribute to Philippine anxieties regarding the true purpose and potential implications of the geological data being collected by the vessel.

The Philippines successfully tracked the Haiyang Dizhi Shihao using Canada's Dark Vessel Detection System, a sophisticated satellite-based technology. This system is crucial for monitoring maritime activity as it can identify vessels even when their automatic identification system (AIS) signals are deliberately disabled. To enhance its maritime surveillance capabilities, over 120 Philippine personnel have undergone training to proficiently operate this Canadian technology, signifying a strategic investment in securing its maritime domain.