Manila Bulletin
PCG accuses China of ‘normalizing, legitimizing’ illegal presence in Zambales’ coast
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is monitoring a new China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel, CCG-3304, which has replaced CCG-3103 off the coast of Zambales, within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
This deployment, following the departure of the CCG-5901 vessel nicknamed 'The Monster,' is seen by the PCG as an attempt by China to 'normalize and legitimize' their illegal presence in Philippine waters.
The CCG vessels were observed exhibiting erratic movements approximately 70 to 80 nautical miles from Zambales.
The PCG has deployed patrol ship BRP Teresa Magbanua to monitor the CCG vessels and issued radio challenges informing them they are operating within the Philippine EEZ.
A fellow at the US-based Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation noted that such intrusive patrols normalize China's claims of sovereignty over the waters.
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Malacañang views the presence of China's 165-meter-long "monster ship," the China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel 5901, within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ) with concern.
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The China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel 5901, nicknamed the "monster ship," is currently located 95 nautical miles off the coast of Zambales within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
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The Philippines formally requested China to withdraw the China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel 5901, nicknamed the "monster ship," from Philippine waters near Zambales, citing it as a provocative act intended to intimidate Filipino fishermen and normalize China's illegal presence in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.
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Philippine authorities are alarmed by the presence of Chinese coast guard vessels within the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
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The Philippines, through the National Maritime Council (NMC), has filed a diplomatic protest against China's continued illegal presence and activities in the West Philippine Sea, violating Philippine Maritime Zones Act, UNCLOS, and the 2016 Arbitral Ruling.
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