Chinese Coast Guard closely monitored and shadowed Philippine research vessel BRP H Ventura and Philippine Coast Guard’s BRP Gabriela Silang as they sailed towards Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough or Panatag Shoal. According to former US Air Force official and ex-Defense Attaché Ray Powell, the Philippine vessels paused for approximately eight hours about 35 nautical miles from Luzon’s coastline, near China’s contentious nine-dash line. Powell noted on social media that the Chinese Coast Guard vessel blocked the path of the Philippine ships to their assigned hydrographic research area. The reason for the pause is unclear, but the Philippine vessels later resumed their journey with Chinese Coast Guard vessels closely following them. Powell also observed an increase in Chinese vessels near the shoal in the last 48 hours and suggested that it may be related to the Philippines’ upcoming hydrographic survey announcement. BRP H Ventura and BRP Gabriela Silang were set to conduct a hydrographic survey north of Bajo de Masinloc to map underwater features crucial for maritime navigation and resource management.
