Overview:
Palau has formally protested the activities of a Chinese research vessel that entered its Exclusive Economic Zone without permission, raising concerns about sovereignty, national security and unauthorized research in its waters. The incident marks the latest in a series of similar encounters involving Chinese vessels in recent years.
Latest incident marks another unauthorized entry into Palau’s EEZ as officials raise sovereignty and security concerns.
By: L.N. Reklai
KOROR, Palau (June 4, 2026) — The government of Palau has lodged a diplomatic complaint with the People’s Republic of China following what it described as unauthorized and potentially concerning activities by a Chinese research vessel within Palau’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
In a diplomatic note delivered June 3, 2026, to the People’s Republic of China Embassy in the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau expressed its “displeasure with recent activities by a PRC vessel within Palau’s EEZ.”
According to the note, the Chinese research vessel JI DI entered Palau’s EEZ on May 30 without prior notification or authorization from the Palau government. The vessel reportedly remained within Palau’s EEZ for approximately 14 hours while traveling at slow speed.
Palau stated that the vessel’s movements suggested it may have been collecting data or conducting research activities within the country’s maritime zone.
“The vessel appeared to conduct questionable research-related activities without authorization, activities which threaten Palau’s national security and disregard for its sovereignty and rules-based order,” the diplomatic note stated.
The government said it is seeking clarification from Beijing regarding the purpose of the vessel’s entry and the nature of any research conducted while operating inside Palau’s waters.
The incident is not the first involving Chinese vessels entering Palau’s EEZ without permission or notification. Similar incidents were reported in 2024, 2025 and 2018, prompting repeated concerns from Palau over unauthorized activities in its maritime jurisdiction.
Palau has demanded information from the Chinese government regarding the vessel’s mission and any research conducted during its time within the country’s EEZ.
The latest diplomatic protest underscores Palau’s continuing concerns over maritime sovereignty, national security and adherence to international rules governing activities within the exclusive economic zones of coastal states.
