Philippines Warns China Research Ship in Disputed Waters

A Philippine Coast Guard ship is seen near Thitu Island in the South China Sea on February 21, 2026. A Philippine senator called for deepening defence relationships and "continuous" pushback against China's claims in the South China Sea while visiting one of Manila's tiny possessions in the disputed waterway on February 21. (Photo by Jam STA ROSA / AFP)
A Philippine Coast Guard ship is seen near Thitu Island in the South China Sea on February 21, 2026. A Philippine senator called for deepening defence relationships and "continuous" pushback against China's claims in the South China Sea while visiting one of Manila's tiny possessions in the disputed waterway on February 21. Photo / Jam STA ROSA / AFP

The Philippine Coast Guard said Thursday it deployed aircraft to issue radio warnings to a Chinese research ship in a disputed area of the South China Sea “swarming” with vessels from Beijing’s so-called maritime militia.

The research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 33, which is capable of supporting submersible craft, was operating near a reef in the contested Spratly Island chain, the Philippine Coast Guard said.

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by Agence France-Presse

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