At least nine large vessels from the China Coast Guard (CCG), including the massive “monster ship”, are patrolling the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), a maritime security expert reported on Wednesday.
Fleet of CCG Vessels Identified
Ray Powell, a former United States Air Force official and defense attaché, identified the vessels operating within the Philippine EEZ as:
- CCG 5901 (“monster ship”)
- CCG 3304
- CCG 3502
- CCG 3103
- CCG 3305
- CCG 3302
- CCG 3106
- CCG 21559
- CCG 5202
The 165-meter “monster ship”, regarded as the world’s largest coast guard vessel, has drawn particular attention for its size and continued operations in disputed waters.
Incursions Within the Philippine EEZ
The “monster ship” was recently spotted 54 nautical miles off Capones Island, Zambales, well within the Philippines’ 200-nautical mile EEZ. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) responded by deploying BRP Cabra, a helicopter, and the PCG Caravan to monitor and challenge the vessel’s presence.
According to PCG spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela, the ship’s movements suggest it was conducting a law enforcement operation to assert China’s maritime claims.
“The CCG vessel’s erratic movements indicate it is not engaged in innocent passage but rather asserts jurisdiction over these waters as belonging to the People’s Republic of China,” Tarriela said.
The “monster ship” has since been observed near Lubang Island, Occidental Mindoro.
Philippine Response
The PCG has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the nation’s maritime rights and continues to monitor the illegitimate presence of the Chinese vessels. Tarriela emphasized that their operations uphold the country’s sovereign rights under international law.
Malacañang and the Philippine Navy have expressed concern over the ongoing presence of these vessels, calling it a serious challenge to Philippine sovereignty.
China’s Maritime Claims
China’s expansive claims over nearly the entire South China Sea, including areas within the Philippine EEZ, have long been a source of tension. Despite a 2016 ruling by the Hague’s Permanent Court of Arbitration invalidating these claims, Beijing has refused to recognize the decision and continues its activities in disputed waters.
Looking Ahead
As tensions escalate, the Philippines faces the dual task of protecting its maritime rights and managing relations with China amid ongoing incursions.