Chinese ‘monster’ ship in EEZ ‘alarming’ - gov’t

Metro Manila, Philippines - The Philippine government is alarmed by the presence of China’s biggest coast guard vessel within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ), telling Beijing to withdraw the ship from the country’s waters.

In a briefing by the National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel 5901 was last spotted 77 nautical miles west of Capones Island, Zambales on Tuesday morning, Jan. 14.

The Chinese ship, dubbed the “monster” for its size, was first monitored within the area on Jan. 4. It moved away from Zambales days later, before returning over the weekend.  

The PCG has deployed its two biggest vessels, BRP Teresa Magbanua and BRP Gabriela Silang in a bid to keep the CCG vessel from approaching the country’s coast line.

Jonathan Malaya, National Security Council assistant director general, said the situation was “alarming,” describing it as a “clear effort” of China to intimidate Filipino fishers.

“We will continue to support our fishermen,” Malaya said. “If the objective is to intimidate fishers, then it increases the resolve of the Philippine government to continue supporting our fishermen.”

Capones Island is near Bajo de Masinloc, also known as the Scarborough Shoal, which both the Philippines and China claim.

Beijing has had control over the disputed shoal, which it called “Huangyan Dao,” since 2012.

“Our main role right now is to make sure the vessel [doesn't] come close to the coast of Zambales,” PCG Commodore Jay Tarriela said.

“With regards to moving further away from Bajo de Masinloc, that’s a different question already,” added Tarriela, the PCG spokesperson on the West Philippine Sea.

Asked what other actions the Philippines has regarding the situation, Malaya said: “We are keeping all our options open because the presence of the monster ship is clearly unacceptable. It is a provocative act. It is increasing tensions in the region.”

The Philippines filed a diplomatic protest against China for its recent “illegal actions” within the country’s EEZ, calling out the East Asian giant’s “escalatory actions.” 

China’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Guo Jiakun, said their country’s sovereignty and rights in the South China Sea were “solidly grounded in history and the law, and are consistent with international law and practices.”

Beijing does not recognize the 2016 arbitral award that invalidated its sweeping claims over the whole South China Sea.

“China coast guard’s patrols and law enforcement activities in relevant waters are lawful, justified and beyond reproach,” Guo said.