Chinese 'monster ship' enters PH EEZ off Zambales; PCG blocks advance

The Chinese Coast Guard vessel 5901, described as a 'monster ship,' has replaced another Chinese ship within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) off the coast of Zambales.

Despite China's deployment of its largest coast guard vessel, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua successfully blocked its advance and maintained a distance of up to 97 nautical miles offshore.

The PCG communicated over radio, reminding the Chinese crew that they are operating unlawfully within the Philippines' EEZ and have no legal authority to patrol there.

Philippine officials expressed concern about China's presence in the EEZ, noting possible reasons such as undermining Filipino confidence and establishing a new normal in the region.

China claims 'indisputable sovereignty' over the South China Sea, overlapping with territories claimed by other Southeast Asian nations, while the Philippines has a ruling from the Permanent Court of Arbitration supporting its territorial rights.