Chinese coast guard ‘monster’ ship sighted off Zambales

Metro Manila, Philippines - The largest ship of the China Coast Guard (CCG) was spotted in waters off Zambales inside the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) on Saturday, Jan. 4.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) first detected the presence of the CCG vessel 5901 at 54 nautical miles off the coast of Capones Island, Zambales using Canada’s Dark Vessel Detection system, said Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea.

Acting upon the instructions of PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, BRP Cabra, along with PCG's helicopter and caravan, confirmed the presence of the Chinese vessel by 5 p.m.

“The PCG vessel and aircraft continuously challenged the presence of the Chinese Coast Guard, emphasizing that it was operating within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in accordance with the Philippine Maritime Zones Law and UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea),” Tarriela said.

Tarriela said BRP Cabra, a 44.5-meter Parola-class patrol vessel, continued to monitor the Chinese ship, nicknamed the "monster," which was 85 nautical miles away from Zambales in a westward direction as of 8 p.m., Saturday.

“The PCG remains committed to closely monitoring this Chinese Coast Guard vessel to ensure that Filipino fishermen can operate safely and without harassment within our Exclusive Economic Zone,” the PCG official said.

Ray Powell, a maritime security expert, said CCG’s 12,000-ton “monster” ship arrived at Scarborough Shoal on Jan. 1 to join several coast guard and militia ships in the disputed area.

China does not recognize the 2016 arbitral award that rejected its sweeping claims in the South China Sea.