Philippine Forces Vigilantly Monitor Chinese ‘Monster Ship’ in West Philippine Sea

The Philippine military and coast guard are closely monitoring a massive Chinese Coast Guard vessel, dubbed the ‘monster ship’, which has been spotted near Manila’s exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea. Jonathan Malaya, Assistant Director General of the National Security Council, emphasized during a briefing that the Philippines is prepared to respond appropriately should the ship engage in any provocative actions. The vessel, identified as CCG 5901, was challenged by the Philippine Coast Guard ship BRP Cabra near Capones Island in Zambales on January 4. Continuous radio challenges are being issued to ensure the Chinese ship does not engage in any harmful or illegal activities within the Philippine EEZ. The CCG 5901, with its 12,000 gross register tons, is one of the largest coast guard ships globally. Malaya described the presence of the ship as part of China’s strategy of intimidation and aggression, aimed at deterring Filipino fishermen from operating in the West Philippine Sea. In response, the Philippines plans to increase the presence of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and the Coast Guard to support local fishermen.