Tolentino: Presence of Chinese research ship near Batanes a concern

Reelectionist Sen. Francis “Tol” Tolentino vows to push for amendments to the Philippine Fisheries Code to restore protection for marginal fisherfolk, including the blue crab producers of Negros Occidental.

MANILA, Philippines — Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino has sounded the alarm over the presence of a Chinese research ship near Batanes, dubbing it a “deeply troubling concern” that needed attention.

On April 6, Chinese research ship Zhong Shan Da Xue was accused of conducting a survey near the country’s northernmost archipelago province of Batanes facing Taiwan.

In a statement on Monday, Tolentino, who heads the Senate’s special panel on maritime and admiralty zones, said the action emphasizes China’s “increasing assertiveness in disputed waters, posing serious challenges to regional security.”

He also said the plan to include Batanes in the country’s upcoming Balikatan (shoulder-to-shoulder) military exercises with the United States is a welcome development.

READ: Batanes as ‘Balikatan’ site: US Army execs arrive to build Warehouse

“It sends an unequivocal message that the Philippines will not be intimidated. We must stand firm with our allies to protect our sovereignty and uphold international law,” he added.

Philippine and US troops will rehearse defending Batanes in the 2025 Balikatan exercises. The military drills between the Philippines and the United States will take place from mid-April to early May.

Tolentino also condemned the reckless and dangerous maneuvers by the China Coast Guard vessel against Philippine Coast Guard ship BRP Cabra near Panatag Shoal yesterday on April 6.

“Not only did this aggressive maneuver endanger the lives of our brave maritime personnel, but also constitutes a blatant violation of international law and the Philippines’ sovereign rights,” he said.

The senator dubbed China’s actions as a continued effort to “undermine maritime peace and stability.”

He called on the Philippines’ international partners to hold China accountable for its “blatant disregard for the rule of law.”