On Saturday night, ship-tracking data was suggestive of the latest incursion in Malaysia's continental shelf and exclusive economic zone (EEZ) by the Chinese.

Ship tracking data show Chinese survey/research vessel Da Yang Hao entered Malaysia's continental shelf and exclusive economic zone. 

Earlier also, a U.S. B-52H bomber from Guam flew over the South China Sea on September 24.

According to integral inputs, the Da Yang Hao vessel can be seen escorted by at least one China Coast Guard vessel, CCG 5202. There is quite a high possibility that CCG 6307 may be involved in this operation.

The South China Sea Brief made the following observations:

• Da Yang Hao's current speed is 4-5 knots, and it is the speed often seen when Chinese ships conduct a survey.

• After entering Malaysia's waters, Da Yang Hao headed to the West Capella drillship. As of September 26, 2:20 UTC, its position was about 50 nautical miles from West Capella.

• As in Indonesia's case, Da Yang Hao deliberately avoided Brunei's continental shelf.
• In last year's incursion by Haiyang Dizhi 8, China deployed 8-9 coast guard vessels. But now, Da Yang Hao's escort comprises just one or two coast guard vessels. Perhaps it feels confident this time.

Simultaneously, another China Coast Guard vessel, CCG 6305, is heading to Indonesia's continental shelf and EEZ, where Haiyang Dizhi 10 has been surveying for several weeks, with almost no resistance and protest from Jakarta too.

Da Yang Hao has a length of 98 meters and a displacement of 4,600 tons. Here is some background information about it, according to South China Morning Post.

“With a top speed of 16 knots and a range of about 14,000 nautical miles, the Da Yang Hao (Great Ocean) has the capability to conduct deep-sea resource exploration in any of the world's oceans, state media reported on Saturday.

Owned and managed by the Ministry of Natural Resources, it also represents the pinnacle of China's oceanic survey technology, the report said.

"Delivery of the vessel marks a new era for China's capability in marine resources exploration and research … and [will help to] maintain the country's interests in the international sea area," the report added.

Image courtesy: South China Sea Brief