Metro Manila, Philippines – The largest ship of the China Coast Guard (CCG) was spotted in waters off Zambales inside the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) on Saturday, Jan. 4.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) first detected the presence of the CCG vessel 5901 at 54 nautical miles off the coast of Capones Island, Zambales using Canada’s Dark Vessel Detection system, said Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea.
Acting upon the instructions of PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, BRP Cabra, along with PCG’s helicopter and caravan, confirmed the presence of the Chinese vessel by 5 p.m.
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When the Philippine Coast Guard detected the presence of the Chinese Coast Guard vessel 5901, positioned 54 nautical miles off the coast of Capones Island, Zambales, using Canada's Dark Vessel Detection (DVD) system, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, the PCG Commandant, promptly… pic.twitter.com/QZ7rvh4NcU
— Jay Tarriela (@jaytaryela) January 4, 2025
“The PCG remains committed to closely monitoring this Chinese Coast Guard vessel to ensure that Filipino fishermen can operate safely and without harassment within our Exclusive Economic Zone,” the PCG official said.
Ray Powell, a maritime security expert, said CCG’s 12,000-ton “monster” ship arrived at Scarborough Shoal on Jan. 1 to join several coast guard and militia ships in the disputed area.
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🇨🇳"The Monster"--the 12K-ton China Coast Guard 5901--arrived at Scarborough Shoal on Jan 1, joining CCG 3106, 3302, 3305 & at least 7 militia ships, further boosting #China's control over this important fishing ground just 120nm from the 🇵🇭#Philippines' coast. pic.twitter.com/OHxPsOJuzf
— Ray Powell (@GordianKnotRay) January 2, 2025
