Info Magzine: Dredger seized off Bataan ‘not a Chinese ship’

JANUARY 29, 2021 A Chinese dredging ship illegally entered the waters of Bataan on Wednesday, based on the Philippine Coast Guard and the Bureau of Customs. The vessel’s automated identification system transponder was reportedly turned off to cover its location and id. Two Cambodian crewmembers aboard the vessel additionally didn’t current correct paperwork. (Photo from the Philippine Coast Guard)

MANILA, Philippines — The ship not too long ago seized for “illegal and unauthorized presence” in Philippine waters was not a Chinese vessel, the Chinese Embassy in Manila claimed Wednesday.

“We have noticed some media speculation and reports on a so-called ‘Chinese dredging ship MV Zhonhai 68’,” the embassy mentioned in a assertion.

“Initial investigation on the identity of MV Zhonhai 68 by relevant Chinese authorities has shown that the ship is NOT registered in China and NOT a Chinese ship. It is also noted that there was NO Chinese national on the dredging ship when it was found,” it added.

Citing information from the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the embassy mentioned the ship is beneath the flag of Sierra Leone.

It was earlier reported that the Philippine Coast Guard and the Bureau of Customs seized MV Zhonhai 68, recognized in experiences as a Chinese vessel, round 13 kilometers southwest off Orion Point in Bataan province.

The seizure of the ship triggered calls for the government to search for and examine Chinese dredging vessels working illegally in Philippine waters.

“The Embassy hopes that any responsible remarks and reports should be based on facts, rather than speculation and misinformation,” the embassy went on.

“China is ready to render further assistance to the Philippine authorities concerned in its investigation, should there is such a need,” it added.

Previously, the embassy additionally slammed “false accusations” towards Beijing’s coast guard regulation, which earned considerations from a number of Philippine lawmakers and was topic of a contemporary diplomatic protest filed by the Department of Foreign Affairs.

This regulation, the embassy claimed, permits the Chinese Coast Guard to “take all necessary measures, including the use of weapons when national sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction are being illegally infringed upon by foreign organizations or individuals at sea.”

But the embassy insisted that the content material of the regulation conforms with worldwide conventions and isn’t focused at any particular nation.