The two Chinese research vessels seen in the vicinity of Recto Bank in the West Philippine Sea since early this month have left, according to the Philippine Navy chief, Vice Adm. Giovanni Bacordo. The Xiang Yang Hong 14 and Haiyan Dizhi Hao 12 had no permission from the Philippine government — and therefore no business — to be in the area. Yet they stayed there for at least a week, per Bacordo, unmindful of repercussions in PH-China relations.

PH as vassal. (2020, August 19). Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. A6.