The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) issued another radio challenge on Saturday against the China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel 5901, also known as the “monster ship,” for unlawfully operating within the Philippines’ 200-nautical-mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) off the coast of Zambales.
Confrontation in the West Philippine Sea
The PCG’s 83-meter French-built vessel, BRP Gabriela Silang, confronted the massive Chinese vessel, which was positioned 60 to 70 nautical miles from the Zambales coastline.
“During the entire maritime patrol today, the PCG crew conducted a radio challenge to firmly remind the Chinese Coast Guard vessels of their unlawful actions, particularly regarding their claims of conducting maritime patrols,” the PCG said in a statement.
The PCG asserted its position against any actions aimed at legitimizing illegal activities in the West Philippine Sea.
“By confronting the presence of Chinese Coast Guard Vessel 5901, the PCG sends a clear message: the normalization of unlawful deployments will not be accepted or tolerated.”
Ongoing Diplomatic Push
The Philippine government continues to pressure China to withdraw the “monster ship” from its waters. On Tuesday, the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) called for the vessel’s immediate removal, while the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) filed a diplomatic protest against the intrusion.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun defended the vessel’s presence, though Malacañang has expressed significant concern over the violation of the country’s EEZ.
Growing Maritime Tensions
This latest incident is part of ongoing tensions in the West Philippine Sea, where Chinese vessels have repeatedly been accused of encroaching on Philippine territory. The PCG’s actions reflect the country’s continued efforts to assert sovereignty and safeguard its maritime domain.