(Eagle News)–The Chinese survey ship Zhangjian is back in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
This is according to an expert from the US Naval College’s China Maritime Studies Institute, Ryan Martinson, who posted the information over Twitter.
According to Martinson, the ship was heading west at 10 knots.
Jess Floren of Karagatan Patrol confirmed the information, saying the vessel was approximately 200 kilometers northeast of Catanduanes.
It was still unclear, however, if the vessel asked the Philippine government for permission.
President Rodrigo Duterte had said all foreign vessels passing through the country’s territorial waters should inform Manila in advance.
Zhanjian was first spotted near Siargao in August.
Earlier, the Western Mindanao Command said three warships were also seen that month through Sibutu Strait.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana had said the vessels’ identification system had been turned off.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teddy Locsin has filed a diplomatic protest over the unauthorized passage of the warships.
