ABS-CBN
PCG: 'Monster ship' closest deployment yet by China to PH coastline
Philippine authorities are alarmed by the presence of Chinese coast guard vessels within the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) confirmed that a 12,000-ton China Coast Guard vessel, described as a "monster ship," was deployed 54 nautical miles from Capones Island in Zambales.
This deployment on January 4 marks the closest China has ever positioned a vessel to the Philippine coastline, according to PCG spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela.
The "monster ship" has been loitering in the area for approximately 11 days and is currently moving slowly between 60 to 90 nautical miles off Zambales.
Commodore Tarriela stated that this deployment is questionable and illegal, as China Coast Guard vessels lack the authority to patrol within the Philippines' EEZ.
These incursions by China are seen as an attempt to assert control over the disputed South China Sea waters, despite international court rulings against Beijing's claims.
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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 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).
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The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) continues to challenge China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels operating illegally within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) off Zambales.
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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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The China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel 5901, described as Beijing's "monster ship," continues its illegal incursion into the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ) for at least two weeks.
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