A video obtained by the Global Times shows that China's recently on-site investigation was interfered by the Philippine side as the research team was studying the coral reef ecosystem in waters off China's Xianbin Jiao in the South China Sea.

The video footage reveals that the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701), which has been stationed at the lagoon of Xianbin Jiao since mid-April, consistently monitored and disrupted the Chinese research fleet during China's scientific expedition from May 7 to May 19. According to information obtained by the Global Times from the research team, the Philippine vessel 9701 deployed two small boats daily to disrupt China's scientific activities during this period. 

Throughout the entire scientific expedition, the Philippine vessel repeatedly approached and interfered with the Chinese research team, leading to Chinese support boats intervening to protect researchers. Then the Philippine speedboat at one point accelerated toward and attempted to cross over onto the Chinese boat in a dangerous manner to obstruct their progress. 
 

The Philippine speedboat at one point accelerates toward and attempts to cross over onto the Chinese boat in a dangerous manner to obstruct their progress. Photo: screenshot of video provided by Chinese research team

On May 12, the Philippine side replaced their rubber boats with two 15-meter steel boats to continue disrupting China's operations. 
 

On May 12, the Philippine side replaces their rubber boats with two 15-meter steel boats to continue disrupting China's operations. Photo: screenshot of video provided by Chinese research team

Furthermore, on May 9 and May 15, Philippine divers were sent to closely monitor China's activities underwater. 

Two Philippine divers are sent to closely monitor China's activities underwater. Photo: screenshot of video provided by Chinese research team

Moreover, on May 19, a US Navy P-8A maritime patrol aircraft was observed circling the waters around Xianbin Jiao, a plane known for conducting reconnaissance and interference missions in the South China Sea and Taiwan Straits. 

In response to the frequent and hazardous interference by the Philippine side, the China Coast Guard vessel 3303 promptly dispatched patrol boats to counter their actions, ensuring the smooth continuation of the investigation operations. 

Notably, the video also captured Philippine personnel casually discarding cigarette butts into the sea during their interference, indicating a lack of environmental consciousness.

Separately, a Philippine H145 helicopter on Wednesday had attempted to deliver supplies to the PCG vessel 9701. The Philippines' reckless actions could easily lead to maritime and aerial incidents, said China Coast Guard spokesperson Gan Yu on Thursday. Experts have criticized the Philippines for disregarding the safety of pilots and personnel on board during air drops in complex sea conditions, which was an inhumane act aimed at forcibly occupying the island.

The Philippines should immediately stop the reckless actions, provocations and hype, and withdraw the vessel 9701 on their own. Don't misjudge the situation or escalate tensions. Otherwise, the Philippines will be fully responsible for all consequences, Gan said on Thursday.