The Philippines has mobilized military and coast guard assets to monitor a massive Chinese coast guard vessel operating within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Officials have described the ship’s presence as “intimidation, coercion, and aggression”.
Philippine authorities identified the vessel as CCG 5901, nicknamed “the monster” due to its enormous size. Measuring 165 meters long and weighing 12,000 gross tons, the ship appeared 65 to 70 nautical miles off Zambales province’s coast on January 5.
The monster ship was first spotted at Scarborough Shoal (Panatag) in the West Philippine Sea, on New Year’s Day, joining three other Chinese coast guard vessels — 3106, 3302, and 3305 — and at least seven Chinese maritime militia ships.
“We have all our assets pointed at this monster ship. The moment it carries out any provocative action, it will be met with an appropriate response,” said Jonathan Malaya, spokesperson for the National Security Council on January 6.
The sighting of CCG 5901 highlights the growing tensions between the Philippines and China. Under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the Philippines has actively pushed back against Beijing’s actions in disputed waters.
China continues to claim nearly the entire South China Sea as its territory, despite a 2016 ruling by The Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration invalidating those claims. This vital waterway, which supports US$3 trillion in annual trade, remains a source of conflict among neighboring countries, including the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia.
Manila has repeatedly accused China of aggression, while Beijing has countered with accusations of encroachment.
Challenges Chinese presence
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) directly challenged the Chinese vessel, ordering it to leave the area.
In video footage shared by the PCG, officials warned the Chinese crew that they had no authority to operate in Philippine waters. The Chinese vessel responded by claiming it was conducting law enforcement within its jurisdiction.
“This is part of China’s intimidation, coercion, aggression, and deception. They are showcasing their ship to intimidate our fishermen,” Malaya said.
On January 7, Malacañang expressed concern over the presence of the Chinese vessel in the Philippine territory.
“We view it with concern. So far, we’ve been challenging the presence of that monster ship. Our Coast Guard has been very alert in monitoring its movements. It comes and goes, and it is within our exclusive economic zone,” said Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.
He suggested that the ship’s actions could be “a case of power projection”.
In response, the PCG deployed the BRP Cabra (MMRV-4409), aircraft, and other military assets to track and challenge CCG 5901.
Philippine Coast Guard challenged China’s largest vessel, ordering it to leave Philippine waters on January 6, 2025.
Military stands firm against intrusions
Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) vowed to continue maritime and air patrols, despite the “illegal presence” of foreign vessels.
“We will not be deterred in spite of the presence. Any intrusion, even if it’s only one ship, is a concern of the AFP,” said Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, AFP spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea.
The AFP has intensified its operations and continues to coordinate with the PCG, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and other agencies to address the situation.
Earlier, the PCG denounced the Chinese ship’s presence as illegal and challenged its behavior, which officials described as law enforcement operations rather than “innocent passage.”
“Observations reveal that the CCG vessel’s erratic movements indicate it is not engaged in innocent passage but rather asserts it is conducting a law enforcement operation, claiming jurisdiction over these waters,” said Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, in a statement on X.
Tarriela underscored the PCG’s commitment to challenging China’s actions and ensuring the safety of Filipino fishermen.
Unwavering defense of sovereignty
Tarriela said the PCG continues to patrol the area despite provocative actions, including the deployment of a Chinese People’s Liberation Army-Navy helicopter that hovered over the BRP Cabra.
“Despite the PCG’s efforts to address the illegal presence of the CCG vessel through measured law enforcement operations, the People’s Republic of China has provocatively deployed a People’s Liberation Army-Navy helicopter, tail number 47, which hovered above the PCG vessel,” said Tarriela adding that PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan instructed personnel to avoid escalating tensions while remaining vigilant.
“The PCG leadership fully supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s firm stance that he will not surrender a square inch of our territory to any foreign power,” Tarriela said.
The Philippines’ actions against CCG 5901 reflect its unwavering commitment to protecting its sovereignty, even as tensions in the region persist.
All photos credit: Philippine Coast Guard
Top photo: China Coast Guard’s largest ship, “The Monster”, patrols near Panatag Shoal in the Philippines’ EEZ.
