China's Research Vessels Raise Suspicions in the Pacific

The article was written by Kyle Evans.

The topic is Security Intelligence.

Experts are worried that China's research vessels are being used to gather information for military purposes.

A Chinese research vessel went 74 kilometers into Palau's waters and spent 14 hours there in May.

The vessel, called Ji Di, is an icebreaker that can push through a meter of Arctic sea ice.

The Ji Di was made to break through polar sea ice.

It is not clear what the Ji Di was doing in Palau's waters.

Palau's President Surangel Whipps Jr said that Chinese research vessels come into their area without permission.

The Ji Di was launched in 2024 for environmental monitoring and surveying.

It has drones and underwater vehicles that can map the sea floor and collect data.

But experts think the vessel and others like it might also be gathering military intelligence.

The Ji Di went 74 kilometers into Palau's EEZ between May 30 and 31.

There is a hidden agenda.

This was not the first time a Chinese vessel had entered Palau's waters.

Similar incidents happened in 2018, 2024, and 2025.

The most recent incident was in July, after China launched a ballistic missile.

The ABC could not confirm the incident.

Mr Whipps said that Chinese vessels are a security concern because they survey over Palau's fiber-optic cable.

Sixteen Chinese research vessels have been sent to the north Pacific this year.

Jennifer Parker, a professor, said that while some vessels do pure science, the scale and location of China's activities suggest they might be gathering intelligence.

China's military test shows its willingness to use strength to send a warning to the Pacific.

The waters around Palau are important because of their location near US submarine bases.

A study found that 80% of Chinese research vessels showed suspicious behavior or had links to Beijing's agenda.

China has the largest fleet of civilian research vessels in the world.

The vessels can be used for both science and spying.

A study noted that China does not distinguish between ships for naval survey, scientific research, or commercial purposes.

Leland Bettis said that the patterns of Chinese research vessels provide clues to their purpose.

Mr Bettis said the Ji Di was tracked in May following a pattern that suggested it was mapping the ocean floor near Guam.

The Ji Di was doing a lawnmower pattern, which is typical of oceanographic survey work.

The fact that it was doing this near Guam, where US submarines are based, suggests dual-use capabilities.

Leland Bettis said the Ji Di's movement pattern is typical of oceanographic survey work.

A report said that China's military priorities include developing forces to invade Taiwan and deter US intervention.

Guam is a hub for US military operations in the Pacific and is home to multiple nuclear submarines.

Mr Bettis said Chinese research vessels could be trying to track US submarines or plant listening devices.

Drones and submersibles can be used to collect information.

Guam is home to multiple nuclear submarines that operate in the Western Pacific.

Ms Parker said that understanding the sea floor is critical for operating and hunting submarines.

Detailed mapping helps submarines navigate underwater terrain.

The shape and depth of the seabed affect how sound travels through the water column.

Jennifer Parker said China aims to expand its submarine operations into the second island chain.

The primary way to detect submarines is through sound.

China is playing by its own rules.

Marine scientific research in another country's EEZ without permission is a breach of international law.

Palau's options to stop China are limited.

Palau said the incursion showed a disregard for its sovereignty.

Ms Parker said China has been operating under its own rules in the Pacific and Indian Oceans.

Jennifer Parker said China frequently breaches international law.

China defended its vessels' activities in the Pacific.

The ABC reached out to the Chinese embassy for comment.

Ms Parker said research vessels will likely become a more common sight as China projects power.

China has been doing this in the Pacific and Indian Ocean.

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