A Chinese ship conducted the first “illegal” research in Benham Rise, also known as Philippine Rise, in 2004, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon said Monday. Speaking during the Senate science and technology hearing on the Philippine Rise, Esperon said the government failed to know what the Chinese were researching at the time because of the lack of capabilities. Esperon said the unauthorized 2004 research was even used by China to support its request to officially name five underwater features in the Philippine Rise.

Ramos-Araneta, M. (2018, February 27). China's 'illegal' research in Benham Rise bared. Manila Standard, pp. A1, A2.