China's Research Vessels Spark Regional Tensions in Maritime Territories

China’s research ships have been making waves in the waters of its neighbors, raising eyebrows and suspicions of espionage. A recent incident unfolded in Japan’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), where a Japan Coast Guard cutter spotted a Chinese vessel engaging in questionable activities about 140 nautical miles away. The coast guard promptly ordered the ship to leave the area.

The practice of using scientific research as a front for spying isn’t new; it has historical roots that stretch back decades. From the CIA’s covert operations with the Glomar Explorer to Russia’s infamous spy ship, Yantar, this gray-area tactic is common among major naval powers, including China. For instance, China’s Academy of Sciences has deployed its vessels to install advanced acoustic sensors near Guam under the guise of studying marine life and weather patterns—though analysts suggest these devices are strategically placed for monitoring U.S. Navy submarines.

This backdrop makes neighboring countries vigilant about China’s civilian research fleet movements, especially around sensitive regions like the Senkaku Islands controlled by Japan. Early one sunday morning at around 6:30 AM, Japanese authorities observed the research vessel Hai ke 001 lowering what appeared to be a “pipe-like” object into the sea north of Taisho Island. After issuing a radio warning and demanding that it stop its activities, Hai Ke 001 complied and retreated back toward Chinese waters.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is equally watchful regarding China’s maritime activities within contested areas like their western EEZ. On May 5th,they intercepted another Chinese vessel named Tan Suo 3,which was operating unlawfully off Ilocos Norte according to international law outlined by UNCLOS—granting coastal states authority over oceanographic studies within their EEZs.The PCG instructed them to keep moving along.

A submersible retrieved aboard Tan Suo 3 (PCG)

Diving deeper into this situation, while communicating with Tan Suo 3, PCG personnel noticed an approaching submersible identified as Deep Sea Warrior—a manned Chinese craft capable of reaching depths up to 4,500 meters. Additionally, crew members from Tan Suo 3 pulled an unidentified piece of equipment from the water during this encounter.

“these actions clearly indicate that China is conducting unauthorized marine scientific research within our exclusive Economic zone,” stated PCG spokesperson Jay Tarriela regarding these developments.