The Chinese research ship recently spotted off Babuyan Island may have collected intelligence while in the area, according to a maritime expert. Chinese vessel Xiang Yang Hong 05 was last spotted at a distance of 14.92 nautical miles (27.6 km) from Babuyan Island, according to Commodore Jay Tarriela, Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea.

Mendoza, J. E. (2025, August 6). Chinese ship possibly on intel mission off PH island. Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. A5.