China’s largest coast guard vessel, known as “the monster”, has reasserted its presence at Scarborough Shoal (Panatag) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), drawing concern over what Ray Powell, director of SeaLight, a Stanford University program monitoring Chinese activities, calls an “intrusive patrol”.
The 165-meter China Coast Guard (CCG) ship, identified as CCG 5901, arrived at Panatag on New Year’s Day, joining three other Chinese coast guard vessels — 3106, 3302, and 3305 — and at least seven Chinese maritime militia ships. The shoal, located 93 kilometers from Luzon Island and about 220 kilometers west of Masinloc, Zambales, has been under Chinese control since 2012.
Powell emphasized that the 12,000-ton ship dwarfs the Philippines’ largest coast guard vessels, the BRP Teresa Magbanua and BRP Melchora Aquino, by a factor of five. In a post on X, Powell stated that this show of force is part of China’s broader strategy to assert jurisdiction over contested maritime areas.
The “monster ship” has previously appeared near significant locations. In June 2023, it approached Panatag, coming within one to two kilometers of the shoal. It later passed near El Nido, Palawan. By July, it moved closer to the BRP Sierra Madre, the Philippines’ military outpost at Ayungin Shoal, and anchored at Escoda (Sabina) Shoal to respond to Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) activities in the region.
PCG challenges Chinese presence
The PCG recently spotted the CCG 5901, 54 nautical miles off Capones Island, Zambales, on January 4. The PCG confirmed the presence of the massive ship using Canada’s dark vessel detection system.
PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan immediately ordered the BRP Cabra to verify the sighting. He also deployed a helicopter and Caravan aircraft to assert the Philippines’ territorial rights. By 5 pm on January 4, PCG personnel challenged the ship, asserting Philippine jurisdiction under the Maritime Zones Law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
By 8 pm, the BRP Cabra reported that the vessel had moved westward, now 85 nautical miles from Zambales, but the PCG continued monitoring its movements.
Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, confirmed the BRP Cabra’s deployment to track the CCG 5901 and challenge its “illegal presence” in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ). “The CCG vessel has been challenged regarding its illegal presence, emphasizing that it lacks the legal authority to operate within the Philippines’ EEZ,” Tarriela said.
The PCG also launched aerial surveillance using the PCG Islander aircraft to document any potential incidents or aggressive maneuvers, ensuring a quick response in case of an emergency. Tarriela reaffirmed: “The PCG remains committed to ensuring Filipino fishermen can operate safely and without harassment within our EEZ.”
However, the proximity of the CCG’s “monster ship” to the Zambales coastline raised concerns. According to Tarriela, their presence appears to aim at legitimizing their activities near Bajo de Masinloc and discouraging Filipino fishermen from operating in the area. He also pointed out that such actions violate international law, as the 2016 arbitral ruling under UNCLOS invalidated China’s claims to the shoal and surrounding waters.
The PCG reiterated its commitment to protecting Filipino fishermen from harassment and maintaining a strong presence in the country’s waters.
“The PCG will continue to take deliberate and appropriately measured actions to challenge the illegal presence of the Chinese Coast Guard until it ceases its violations of the Philippines’ sovereign rights in these waters. The safety and security of Filipino fishermen remain the PCG’s highest priority,” said Tarriela.
Wider context
China’s ongoing patrols stem from its expansive claims over the South China Sea, including areas within the West Philippine Sea. Beijing has consistently rejected the 2016 Arbitral Award, which invalidated its claims and ruled in favor of Manila.
The landmark ruling followed a 2013 case filed by the Philippines after a tense standoff with China over Panatag Shoal. Despite the ruling, China continues to maintain de facto control over the shoal’s lagoon, reinforcing its aggressive maritime strategy in the region.
As tensions persist, Philippine authorities remain determined to assert their presence and uphold their rights in the West Philippine Sea, closely monitoring China’s maneuvers in these disputed waters.
Photo credit: PCG. The China Coast Guard “monster ship” was spotted January 4, about 157 kilometers (85 nautical miles) off Zambales in the West Philippine Sea.
