Video: Philippines Coast Guard Confronts China’s ‘Monster Ship’ Near Luzon Coast

Chinese Coast Guard vessel — Image Credits: PCG

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is tracking the movements of China’s largest coast guard vessel, CCG 5901, which has been patrolling near the coast of Luzon.

The Chinese ship has been claiming that it is conducting law enforcement duties in what it describes are Chinese waters.

The CCG 5901, at about 12,000 tonnes and 540 feet long, is the largest ship in the China Coast Guard. It is a key part of China’s “gray zone” strategy, which involves asserting control over disputed maritime areas without direct military action.

The ship’s size and appearance make it a formidable presence in the region. The Philippine Coast Guard has sent its patrol vessel, BRP Cabra, and a fixed-wing aircraft to monitor the Chinese ship.

The Chinese vessel responded to the PCG’s radio challenge by claiming it is conducting operations in what it considers to be the jurisdictional waters of China, despite being hundreds of miles away from China’s mainland.

PCG spokesperson Jay Tarriela said the Philippines would continue to challenge the Chinese Coast Guard’s illegal presence in Philippine waters.

BRP Cabra Maintains Vigilant Monitoring of Chinese Coast Guard Monster Ship

On its second day of patrol, the Philippine Coast Guard vessel BRP Cabra continues to actively monitor the movements of Chinese Coast Guard vessel 5901. The CCG vessel has been challenged regarding its… pic.twitter.com/j06qXBl23i

— Jay Tarriela (@jaytaryela) January 5, 2025

The CCG 5901 is typically seen in disputed areas like the Spratly Islands, but this recent patrol is something new. Last year, the ship anchored off Sabina Shoal in the Spratlys and stayed there for several months, outlasting the Philippine patrol ship sent to monitor it.

This time, the CCG 5901 sailed close to the Philippine mainland, within 50 nautical miles of Luzon. Some worry that China’s coast guard is showing off its strength and sending a message to the Philippines and other nations in the region.

China claims nearly all of the South China Sea, citing historical trading routes as the basis for its claims. However, in 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled that China’s claims have no legal basis under international law.

Despite this, China continues to claim control over the area, including parts of the EEZs belonging to the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Taiwan.

The PCG has deployed its Islander aircraft to support its patrols and enhance safety. The aircraft will help document any incidents, including potential dangerous actions by the Chinese vessel, such as ramming.

It is also ready to assist with rescue operations if needed. The PCG has made it clear that the safety of Filipino fishermen is their top priority during these operations.

Reference: PCG, Newsweek

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