China's deployment of research and survey vessels in the disputed West Philippine Sea is at the core of its maritime gray zone strategy, allowing Beijing to assert control, gather intelligence, and expand its presence while avoiding direct confrontation, an international monitoring team reported. Meanwhile, the Philippine Navy’s BRP Andres Bonifacio issue radio challenge to a Chinese warship spotted off the Panatag Islands. Operating under the guise of scientific missions, SeaLight said these dual-use vessels—often state-owned or affiliated with the military—conduct oceanographic surveys and resource mapping that serve both civilian and military purposes.

Espiritu, R. (2025, June 7). Chinese ships at WPS unmasked. Manila Standard, p. A3.