China’s “monster ship” returns to Philippine waters

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on January 12, issued a warning that China could encroach upon other countries’ exclusive economic zones (EEZs) if its vessel deployments in Philippine waters remain unchallenged.

This followed the return of China’s largest coast guard ship, dubbed “The Monster”, to the Philippines’ EEZ in the South China Sea. Over the weekend, the 165-meter China Coast Guard (CCG) 5901 moved closer to the Zambales coastline, replacing a smaller CCG vessel, CCG-3304.

Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, emphasized the implications of Beijing’s maneuvers. “Their goal is to normalize such deployments, and if these actions go unnoticed and unchallenged, it will enable them to alter the existing status quo,” Tarriela said, citing satellite imagery to illustrate the ship’s movements.

“This strategy of normalization, followed by altering the status quo and ultimately operationalizing their illegal narrative, has consistently been part of the Chinese playbook,” he added.

Steadfast resistance from PCG

The PCG tracked and noted that China replaced CCG-5901 multiple times with other vessels, including CCG-3103 and CCG-3304. On January 11, the PCG’s vessel, BRP Teresa Magbanua, pushed vessel 3304 farther from Zambales’ coastline. This action prompted Beijing to redeploy the “monster ship” in an apparent attempt to regain its position.

“This strategic maneuvering by the BRP Teresa Magbanua has prompted the People’s Republic of China to deploy the China Coast Guard 5901 ‘monster ship’ this afternoon, as they attempt to outmaneuver the PCG vessel,” Tarriela revealed.

Despite the intimidating size of the CCG-5901 — larger than a U.S. Navy Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser and equipped with anti-aircraft guns — the PCG’s BRP Teresa Magbanua closed in on the massive vessel, effectively blocking the CCG-5901’s attempts to approach the Zambales coastline.

“No amount of intimidation from the China Coast Guard can deter the resolve and dedication of the PCG crew,” Tarriela said.

“Despite the imposing size of CCG-5901, the PCG vessel has boldly approached its starboard side at a close range, effectively hindering the China Coast Guard vessel’s attempts to move towards the Zambales coastline,” he said.

According to Tarriela, the PCG has consistently reminded the Chinese crew over radio that they are “unlawfully operating within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone and do not possess any legal authority to conduct maritime patrols”.

He also emphasized that the PCG will continue to carry out its patriotic duty to safeguard the country’s maritime jurisdiction, confronting actors who disregard international law, while working to prevent any escalation of tensions.

Tarriela said PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan believes the PCG crew fully grasped the president’s directives to maintain vigilance in accordance with the law while avoiding any escalation of tensions.

He affirmed the PCG’s dedication to protecting the country’s maritime jurisdiction. “The PCG remains committed to safeguarding the country’s maritime jurisdiction and ensuring the rule of law within Philippine waters,” he said.

PCG crew reminded the Chinese vessel crew over the radio that it was “unlawfully operating within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone”.

PCG analysis of satellite imagery showed that the justification for China Coast Guard vessels is rooted in this disputed fourth dash line.

Persistent surveillance and global exposure 

The PCG continues to actively monitor and expose China’s activities, leveraging tools such as Canada’s dark vessel detection system. The agency reinforces its commitment to safeguarding the country’s maritime jurisdiction and preventing unnecessary tensions.

The PCG noted that the Chinese ship, with erratic movements within Philippine waters, does not follow “innocent passage” protocols. Instead, the vessel appears to enforce Beijing’s jurisdiction under its invalidated “nine-dash line” claim.

He highlighted the importance of global awareness in challenging China’s tactics. Tarriela also warned that passivity from the international community might embolden Beijing to encroach upon the EEZs of Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

“This is why it is important for the Philippine Coast Guard to actively expose these unlawful deployments of Chinese vessels to the global community, ensuring that such actions are not normalized and that this bullying behavior does not succeed,” said Tarriela. 

China’s assertive stance in the region became evident in its control over Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal, located 222 kilometers from Luzon. In 2012, Beijing seized the shoal after engaging in a standoff with the Philippine Navy. This action led Manila to file a case against China before the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA).

In 2016, the PCA invalidated China’s “historic rights” claims within the nine-dash line. The ruling favored the Philippines, but Beijing dismissed the decision, calling it “illegal” and “invalid.”

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has consistently reaffirmed the Philippines’ sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea. He has emphasized that the Filipinos own the resource-rich waters, despite China’s continued aggression.

The West Philippine Sea refers to portions of the South China Sea that fall within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone and jurisdiction.

Regional flashpoint

The PCG intensified its patrols as China boosted its presence near critical maritime features. According to Ray Powell, director of Stanford University’s SeaLight project, CCG-5901, accompanied by three other Chinese coast guard ships and seven militia vessels, arrived near Panatag Shoal on January 1.

Tarriela underscored the PCG’s resolve to prevent Beijing from altering the maritime status quo. “These maneuvers highlight the dedication and resolve of the PCG to uphold the rule of law in the West Philippine Sea,” he said.

With the world’s largest coast guard ship patrolling the Philippines’ EEZ, the PCG remains resolute in its mission to protect the nation’s sovereignty and maritime rights.

All photos credit: Philippine Coast Guard

Top photo: China’s largest coast guard ship 5901.

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