PCG pushes back Chinese vessel near Zambales, issues hourly challenges

On Thursday, January 30, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported that BRP Teresa Magbanua successfully pushed back a Chinese Coast Guard vessel, CCG-3304, further away from Zambales, moving it to approximately 100-105 nautical miles.

Despite CCG-3304's claims of patrolling within China’s maritime jurisdiction and its refusal to recognize the arbitral award, BRP Teresa Magbanua emphasized that the Chinese vessel lacks legal authority under Philippine law, UNCLOS, and the 7 July 2016 ruling.

The PCG also reported monitoring three additional Chinese vessels off Zambales: CCG-5901 (103.63 nautical miles), CCG-3502 (115.22 nautical miles), and CCG-3103 (134.10 nautical miles).

BRP Teresa Magbanua has been consistently issuing hourly radio challenges to Chinese vessels operating within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, demonstrating the Philippines' commitment to non-provocation and de-escalation.

The Philippine Coast Guard continues to monitor Chinese ships off Zambales, including a large vessel known as the 'monster ship,' due to an emergency response involving BRP Cabra.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. challenged China to cease provocative actions and abandon claims over features the Philippines has sovereignty over before the country returns the Typhon missile system to the United States.