PCG issues radio challenge to Chinese 'monster ship' off Zambales

On Saturday, January 18, 2025, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) issued another radio challenge to the Chinese Coast Guard vessel CCG-3103, known as the 'monster ship,' which continues to operate illegally off Zambales coastline.

By Tuesday, January 21, 2025, China's rotating fleet of massive Coast Guard vessels off Zambales has compelled local fishermen to move with extra caution while venturing out to sea; meanwhile, the PCG replaced BRP Gabriela Silang with a smaller but still formidable BRP Suluan to monitor Chinese activity.

Despite challenging sea conditions, BRP Suluan kept close watch on CCG-3103 and issued aggressive radio challenges asserting that its presence violates Philippine maritime laws and international conventions.

Local fishers remain concerned about potential incidents at sea given the stark disparity in size between Philippine and Chinese vessels; as of 9 p.m. Tuesday, the 'monster ship' CCG-5901 is now 113 nautical miles away from Zambales but remains within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone near Bajo de Masinloc.

China's Foreign Ministry defended its ships' patrols, maintaining that they are conducted lawfully and calling on the Philippines to cease what it considers infringement activities.