According to reports, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) deployed an aircraft to confront the Chinese research vessel Zhong Shan Da Xue, which was allegedly operating without permission about 78 nautical miles off Batanes in the Philippines’ northern waters on Wednesday (16 April). The vessel ignored repeated radio contact attempts. The PCG stated it lacked authorization to conduct scientific research within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

Additionally, on Wednesday (16 April), China stated that a Philippine ship allegedly approached a Chinese Coast Guard vessel and attempted to create a false collision.