(VOVWORLD) - A Chinese research vessel has been identified in the waters of Indonesia with its tracking system turned off, authorities said on Thursday.
 This undated file photo released on September 15, 2020, by Indonesian Maritime Security Agency (BAKAMLA) shows a Chinese Cost Guard ship sails in North Natuna Sea. (Photo: AP) |
Colonel Wisnu Pramandita, spokesman of Indonesia’s maritime security agency, known as Bakamla, said authorities suspected the vessel was conducting unauthorised activities in the Sunda Strait after its automatic identification system (AIS) had been switched off three times.
The Xiang Yang Hong 03 exited Indonesia’s exclusive economic zone late on Wednesday.
Indonesian security officials have closely watched activities of Chinese vessels around the archipelago, amid wider tensions in the region and concern about Beijing’s militarisation and the conduct of its coastguard and fishing fleet.
The incident follows the recent discovery of an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) by a local fisherman off Indonesia’s Sulawesi island last month, sparking concern about a potential security breach.