The Chinese embassy in Manila stated that a floating structure at Panatag Shoal is a temporary scientific research facility. It said the mission has been completed.
The Chinese embassy in Manila confirmed that the floating structure in Panatag Shoal, also known as Bajo de Masinloc, serves as a temporary scientific research facility. Deputy spokesperson Guo Wei said it was established by the South China Sea Institute of Oceanology under the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
Guo Wei described the platform as designed for sampling and experiments to study the ecosystem at Huangyan Dao. He added that the relevant research mission has now been successfully completed.
The embassy criticized the Philippines for what it called hyping up and politicizing normal scientific activities. The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs responded by issuing demarches and a formal protest after reports from the Armed Forces and Coast Guard.
Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela of the Philippine Coast Guard noted that a Chinese research vessel had been seen towing the platform. Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources flights documented the vessel Yue Zhan Yu Ke 6 moving the structure.