What Is This Chinese Research Vessel Doing Inside the Philippines' EEZ? | Taiwan Talks EP629

Host: Yin Khvat

Why is China surveying the strait between the Philippines and Taiwan, and what is happening at Scarborough Shoal off the western coast of Luzon? The Philippines chased a Chinese Research Vessel away from Manila’s Exclusive Economic Zone near Ilocos Norte, where Tan Suo 3 had been conducting surveys since May 1. But Philippine Coast Guard Spokesman Jay Tarriela said the Tan Suo 3 was not just working alone, it was taped retrieving two other submersibles. Why has China doubled its maritime militia and coast guard presence at Scarborough Shoal, according to maritime transparency advocate Sealight, and how are the Luzon Strait surveys and Chinese activity at Scarborough Shoal linked?

Our guests:

Yen-Pin Su
- National Chengchi University Department of Political Science Professor

Renato Cruz de Castro
- De La Salle University Department of International Studies Distinguished Professor

Chapters:
00:00:00 - Flashpoints in Luzon Strait and Scarborough Shoal
00:01:38 - Chinese Research Vessels in Manila’s EEZ
00:09:37 - Why Are Tensions Rising in Scarborough?
00:17:20 – Is China Planning to Militarize the Shoal?




#SouthChinaSea #WestPhilippineSea #Batanes #Zambales #Submersible #GiantClam #JonathanMalaya #2016ArbitralRuling #DeclarationOfConduct