The Chinese survey ship that had illegally entered Palau’s EEZ and was observed north of Kayangel from November 29 to December 4, left Palau of its own volition according to Jennifer Anson, National Security Coordinator.
Anson confirmed that the vessel “exited Saturday night at approximately 9:30 pm”, and while Palau monitored the vessel, the patrol boats were unable to reach it due to rough seas.
The Chinese survey ship Da Yang Hao was first observed crossing into Palau’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) on November 29th. Palau’s Maritime and its partners monitored the vessel but due to rough weather, they were unable to reach it.
This particular vessel was in Malaysian waters in September prompting a protest from Malaysian government to the government of the People’s Republic of China, calling on China’s government to stop its survey/research vessels from entering into Malaysia’s EEZ. As a result of the protest, Da Yang Hao left the Malaysian waters in October. Within a month, it had entered Palau’s EEZ. (By: L.N. Reklai)