Naval officers on their watch inside the bridge of the BRP Davao Del Sur as they sail the West Philippine Sea on May 18, 2023. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/File

MANILA — The Philippine Navy on Monday confirmed that Chinese research vessel Lan Hai 101 was detected navigating within the eastern waters of Palawan on Sunday. 

PCG monitors Chinese research vessels near Siargao

In a statement, the Philippine Navy said the foreign vessel was swiftly challenged by maritime authorities. 

The China vessel reportedly replied that their passage was due to adverse weather in their original route.

"In response to the challenge, the crew aboard the CRV Lan Hai 101 communicated that their rerouting through the eastern waters of Palawan was necessitated by adverse sea conditions on the western side," the Navy said.

According to the Navy, the Chinese research ship said it would adhere "to the rights of innocent passage" as they exit near Coron, Palawan.

"To ensure the navigational safety and sovereignty of the region, the Western Command has deployed the Philippine Navy vessel BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS17) alongside the Philippine Coast Guard vessel BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV 9702) to escort the CRV Lan Hai 101," the Navy said.

PCG continues challenge vs Chinese vessels in West PH Sea

Several Chinese vessels have been spotted wandering inside Philippine waters since last month.

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