A Chinese ship that was spotted in northern Philippine waters in 2020 was sighted again, this time on the country’s eastern side before it left that area on Monday morning. But according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the research vessel Jia Geng had secured diplomatic clearance to take shelter in Cabugao Bay, Catanduanes, where it dropped anchor on Jan. 29. The Coast Guard said it kept a close watch on the ship. The reported presence of Chinese ships in Philippine waters has prompted lawmakers in the House of Representatives to call for an inquiry into the intrusions.

Andrade, J. I., Corrales, N., Mangosing, F., Santos, T. G. Salaverria, L. B. (2021, February 2). Chinese research ship back in PH. Philippine Daily Inquirer, pp. A1, A6.