China CG vessels spotted, withdraw after PCG challenge

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported Monday that two China Coast Guard vessels were spotted near Luna, La Union, marking Beijing's closest deployment to the Philippines.

On February 1, PCG detected CCG vessels 3301 and 3104 within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ), approximately 34 nautical miles from Pangasinan, while on Monday morning two additional Chinese vessels with bow numbers 3301 and 3304 were seen near Luna, La Union.

In response to these sightings, PCG chief Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan ordered the deployment of BRP Cabra to monitor the Chinese ships; by Tuesday, CCG vessels 3301 and 3104 were located at 61 nautical miles and 81 nautical miles off the coast of Guangdong Province, China after being radio-challenged by PCG highlighting their absence of legal authority to patrol the area as stipulated by the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, UNCLOS, and the 2016 Arbitral Award.

Both CCG vessels have since returned to Chinese waters following BRP Cabra's challenges.

PCG officials noted that China's aggressive maritime activities aim to deplete Philippine resources, but Manila remains committed to resolving differences peacefully without escalating tensions.