Chinese Research Ship Draws Philippine Challenge

On Sunday, the Philippine Coast Guard deployed aircraft and vessels to challenge Tan Suo Yi Hao, a Chinese research ship the PCG detected about 5.63 nautical miles from Hubo (Hardy) Reef in the West Philippine Sea. The Philippine Star reported spokesman Jay Tarriela said the ship's tracking signal declared diving operations and that radio challenges went unanswered. Manila's foreign affairs department said the research had no government approval. The Armed Forces of the Philippines monitored at least 27 Chinese coast guard and navy vessels across disputed features from October 6 to 12, including 12 near Scarborough Shoal, GMA News reported. Around Taiwan, the defence ministry said five Chinese military aircraft sorties, six naval vessels and four official ships were logged, with four sorties crossing the Taiwan Strait median line. The reports document a continued Chinese presence on two fronts; on their own, they do not show a coordinated new operation.