AFP says Chinese research activities in Panatag may have military use

AFP public affairs chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad. —INQUIRER.net/JOHN ERIC MENDOZA

MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines continues to closely monitor a Chinese floating platform near Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal, saying that marine research and surveying activities may have military implications and should not be dismissed as purely scientific or environmental work.

“Any marine research conducted could provide information, an information advantage for one particular mission,” AFP public affairs chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said on Tuesday during a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo. “All of these can be used either for economic, environmental and even military purposes.”

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Multiagency effort

Authorities said last week the still unidentified structure may be supporting unauthorized marine scientific research, citing the continued presence of Chinese research vessels in the area and what appeared to be data-gathering activities.

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Navy spokesperson Capt. Marissa Martinez said the AFP continues to monitor, document and report developments around the shoal while coordinating with other government agencies under a whole-of-government approach.

READ: PH generals, flag officers condemn China platform at Scarborough Shoal

First monitored by Philippine authorities on May 25, the structure was described as a movable floating platform with an estimated deck area of about 30 square meters and equipped with four metal stilts that could allow it to remain stationary in specific locations.

READ: Documentary traces PH struggle in West Philippine Sea

On Monday, Philippine authorities observed a Chinese research vessel towing the floating platform within the vicinity of Panatag during a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources monitoring flight. This prompted the Philippines to file a diplomatic protest and call for its removal. /cb

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