China’s oceanographic survey and research ships are collecting data in the Indo-Pacific region — possibly to aid submarine navigation, detect or map undersea cables, and lay naval mines — activities that could have military applications in a conflict with Taiwan or the US, a New York Times report said.
The article, titled “China Surveys Seabeds Where Naval Rivals May One Day Clash,” was written by Chris Buckley and published on Thursday.
Starboard Maritime Intelligence data revealed that Chinese research ships last year repeatedly scanned the ocean floor east of Taiwan’s maritime border, and about 400km east and west of Guam; “waters that China’s navy considers strategically vital,” it said.
Photo: screengrab from New York Time’s Webpage
Last year, six research ships made 25 passes in parallel lines through the waters off Taiwan’s east coast, the article said.
Chinese ships frequently navigated close to Taiwan’s 12 nautical mile (22km) territorial sea boundary, but never crossed it, meaning Taipei could do little to object, it added.
They also moved in parallel lines and grid formations, “precise patterns that experts said suggested a methodical effort to collect information about the seabed that could, among other things, support military operations,” it said.
The majority of China’s research ships are civilian, run by government agencies, universities and institutes, which allows them to attract less attention and scrutiny than naval vessels, the article said.
Under international law, civilian research ships are allowed to operate in international waters and within other countries’ exclusive economic zones with permission, it said.
However, Ocean Affairs Council Minister Kuan Bi-ling (管碧玲) said that “it’s hard for us to view this situation as normal.”
“The potential military payoff from their research seemed clear,” the article said. “Taiwan’s eastern coast is home to key air and naval bases, and if war broke out, the Chinese navy would try to seize control of the nearby seas.”
Chinese military researchers in 2010 said that understanding the Kuroshio Current northeast of Taiwan would help China “better conceal ourselves and attack our enemies,” it added.
The article highlighted the extensive scope of China’s operations, with the Xiang Yang Hong No. 6 (向陽紅06) having surveyed the seabed surrounding Guam — a US territory that hosts US military forces — an area larger than the UK.
“The tracks are so tightly packed, and all this was done in one year. Clearly, they were doing a bathymetric survey,” said Sen Jan (詹森), a professor of oceanography at National Taiwan University.
Bathymetric surveys use technologies such as sonar to map the contours and features of the seabed.
The article said that the voyages might serve various scientific purposes, including mineral exploration, marine biodiversity research and assessing the effects of climate change. However, “the growing research fleet could give Beijing a powerful advantage in maritime competition with the United States,” it added.
“China’s expanding maritime reach deserves close scrutiny, especially its ‘research’ vessels that map seabeds, deploy sensors and pave way for submarine operations” the article quoted former Australian naval officer Jennifer Parker as saying.
Despite growing concerns, such activities have continued, it said, adding that just last month, the Xiang Yang Hong No. 1 (向陽紅01) and Xiang Yang Hong No.5 (向陽紅五號05) were observed operating in grid-like patterns east of Guam.
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