Tensions rise as Beijing's research vessels crisscross South and East China Sea
TOKYO/BEIJING/MANILA -- Chinese survey vessels are increasing their research in the Asia Pacific region, as Beijing steps up efforts to increase its maritime interests.
Nikkei analyzed the automatic identification system data on 32 Chinese survey vessels from a database provided by ship tracking website Marine Traffic, and examined the ships' voyages over the 12 months through late November 2020.
Survey vessels are designed to examine subsea structures by sending sound waves into the ocean and collecting samples underwater.
According to the database of the International Maritime Organization, there are 64 registered Chinese survey vessels built in or after 1990, surpassing the U.S.'s 44 and Japan's 23.
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WNU Editor: There are too many instances of these Chinese survey ships entering exclusive economic zones that makes one believe they are being done deliberately.
