China’s “Monster Ship” Withdraws, but Tensions in the West Philippine Sea Persist
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported on Sunday that the China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel 5901, dubbed the “monster ship,” moved away from the Zambales coast. However, another Chinese vessel, CCG-3304, swiftly approached the area, escalating tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
“At approximately 3 PM, CCG-5901 moved further away from the PCG vessel, while another vessel, CCG-3304, approached the coast of Zambales,” said PCG spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela in a statement.By 9 PM, CCG-5901 was monitored 95 nautical miles from Zambales, with CCG-3304 positioned 65 nautical miles away.
Despite the departure of the “monster ship,” the newly deployed CCG-3304 remains a formidable presence.Tarriela noted that CCG-3304 measures 111 meters in length and 46 meters in width, making it larger than the PCG’s largest vessel, the 83-meter BRP Gabriela Silang.
“Even though the monster ship has departed, notably CCG-3304, its replacement, remains larger than the largest PCG vessel,” Tarriela emphasized. “Despite this, the BRP Gabriela Silang continues too diligently fulfill its patriotic mission of challenging the unlawful presence of the Chinese Coast Guard.”
The PCG has been issuing hourly radio challenges to the CCG, asserting that their operations within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) violate the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award. The PCG first confirmed the presence of the Chinese vessel near Capones Island on January 4.
Last week, the Philippines filed a diplomatic protest, urging China to withdraw its “monster ship” from Philippine waters. However,Chinese foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun defended the ship’s presence,stating,“China’s sovereignty and rights and interests in the South China Sea were established in the long course of history,and are solidly grounded in history and the law and compliant with the international law and practice.”
Guo reiterated that the CCG “conducts patrols and law enforcement activities in relevant waters in accordance with the law,which is fully justified.” He called on the Philippines to “instantly stop all infringement activities,provocations and false accusations,and stop all its actions that jeopardize peace and stability and complicate the situation in the South China Sea.”
The South China Sea, a critical conduit for over $3 trillion in annual shipborne commerce, remains a flashpoint for regional tensions.Beijing claims nearly the entire sea, overlapping with the claims of the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei.
In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines, invalidating China’s expansive claims under the “nine-dash line” as having “no legal basis.” However, China has refused to recognize the decision, maintaining its stance on sovereignty.
Key Developments at a Glance
| Event | Details |
|————————————|—————————————————————————–|
| CCG-5901 Withdrawal | Moved 95 nautical miles from Zambales coast on Sunday. |
| CCG-3304 Deployment | Positioned 65 nautical miles from Zambales, larger than BRP Gabriela Silang.|
| PCG Radio Challenges | Hourly challenges citing violations of UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral Award. |
| Diplomatic Protest | Philippines urges China to withdraw its vessels from Philippine waters. |
| China’s Response | Defends actions as lawful and compliant with international law. |
As the situation unfolds, the Philippines remains steadfast in defending its maritime rights, while China continues to assert its claims in the contested waters. The international community watches closely, as the West Philippine Sea remains a critical arena for geopolitical tensions.
For more updates on this developing story, stay tuned to our coverage.
