Philippines Takes BIG Step Amidst Middle East Crisis, Delivers THIS Threat To China

Manila: The Philippine Coast Guard made a major announcement on Sunday. The country has decided to deploy aircraft and warships to challenge and drive out four research vessels—including the Chinese drone mothership 'Zhuhaidun'—operating within its claimed territorial waters.

What did the Philippines say? 

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) made a major announcement on Sunday. The country has decided to deploy aircraft and warships to challenge and drive away four research vessels—including the Chinese drone mothership *Zhuhaidun*—operating within its claimed territorial waters. Monitoring these vessels using a Canadian Dark Vessel Detection System, the PCG has declared their presence a violation of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). In a released statement, PCG spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela explained that these vessels were monitored with the assistance of Canada's Dark Vessel Detection (DVD) system. It is suspected that they are conducting marine scientific research without the permission of the Philippine government—a clear violation of UNCLOS.

What do we know about 'Zhuhaidun'?

The *Zhuhaidun* is considered the world's first intelligent drone mothership. It is capable of deploying and controlling over 50 unmanned aerial, surface, and underwater vehicles. It was detected northwest of Bolinao, Pangasinan, in the vicinity of the Spratly Islands. In addition, three other Chinese vessels have been identified:

*   **Xiangyanghong 33:** A survey vessel dedicated to deep-sea research and seabed mapping, sighted northwest of Rizal, Palawan.
*   **Shi Yan 1:** A specialized marine research vessel equipped with advanced acoustic sensors, located west of Itbayat, Batanes.
*   **Jia Geng:** A deep-sea research vessel capable of deploying unmanned underwater vehicles, located northeast of Itbayat.

Issuing a stern warning, PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan stated that the Philippine Coast Guard remains fully resolute in defending the country's maritime domain. "We will not tolerate any illegal marine research conducted without our government's consent. We are deploying aircraft and vessels to challenge and drive away these unauthorized vessels." The ‘Atin Ito’ Mission on Pag-asa Island
Notably, this issue has emerged amidst the ongoing tensions in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea). The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) supported a civilian mission organized by the ‘Atin Ito’ coalition on Pag-asa Island (Thitu Island). According to the *Daily Tribune*, the coalition hoisted the Philippine flag on Pag-asa Island as a peaceful expression of sovereignty. The Armed Forces had pledged to provide safe passage and maritime awareness support for the mission.

It is worth noting that Pag-asa Island is the largest island in the Kalayaan Island Group, covering an area of ​​approximately 32.7 hectares. It is the largest island administered by the Philippines within the Spratly Islands, where a permanent civilian population of about 200 resides. China refers to it as Zhongye Island and has asserted its sovereignty over the territory for years.