Chinese research vessel docks in Davao

Screengrab from marinetraffic.com

A Chinese research vessel docked at President Rodrigo Duterte’s hometown in Davao City on Monday night.

Philippine Navy spokesperson Cdr. Jonathan Zata said Yuan Wang 3 arrived at 8:14 p.m. in Davao City for replenishment purposes.

He said the visit obtained a diplomatic clearance from higher authorities and there was “nothing unusual” about it.

“This is a routine ship visit similar to any other foreign ship wishing to call on our ports,” Zata said.

A live view from marinetraffic.com showed the vessel came from Jiangyin port in China before heading to the Philippines.

The ship will stay until the morning of July 19th.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana also confirmed the presence of the vessel, saying the Chinese ambassador coordinated with Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano ahead of the visit.

The visit comes as opposition senators have taken interest on the presence of Chinese military transport planes in Davao City.

Early this month, six senators from the minority have filed two resolutions calling for an inquiry into the “technical stops” of Chinese cargo planes in Davao City, and the propriety of airing Chinese shows on the government-owned PTV network.

The senators want to look into the two separate stops in Davao City last June despite the lack of Visiting Forces Agreement with China. Malacanang earlier said the aircraft stopped over to refuel.

The visits sparked controversy especially with growing concerns on China’s militarization of the West Philippine Sea. Duterte has been criticized for his apparent soft stance on China in exchange of economic investments.

Results of a recent Social Weather Stations survey showed that four in five Filipinos disapprove of the government’s inaction on the disputed waters.  /kga