Philippines confirms China’s ‘monster’ ship intruded in Scarborough Shoal

May 24, 2024 , 06:06 PM

By Gabriel Kim Leal

(May 24, 2024) – The Philippine Navy on Friday confirmed that a Chinese vessel, identified as the world’s largest coast guard ship, has been sighted near Scarborough Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.

This followed the report of United States maritime security expert Ray Powell on X that the 165-meter China Coast Guard (CCG) Vessel 5901 known as “The Monster” appeared to be patrolling within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ). It was accompanied by another ship over 100 meters in length.

“Yes, it is 50 nautical miles from Scarborough Shoal, from Bajo de Masinloc,” said Philippine Navy spokesperson Roy Vincent Trinidad. “It’s a Chinese Coast Guard ship and there will be an appropriate response from the (National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea) and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).”

“The Monster” carried out a “brief intrusive patrol” near Scarborough Shoal, a move that maritime observers consider “unusual” and aimed at asserting “dominance.”

Pres. Bongbong Marcos Jr. earlier reminded the PCG to avoid being provoked by China’s bullying tactics.

Powell, who leads Stanford University’s Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation, said China’s action was intended to “normalize” its control over the contested waters.

“China conducts intrusive patrols deep within the exclusive economic zones of neighboring countries to establish a continuous presence and gradually normalize Chinese jurisdiction over areas granted to its neighbors under international law,” added Powell.

The incident coincided with China’s military drills around Taiwan, which Beijing described as a punishment for alleged separatist acts. The Philippine Navy declined to comment on how the military drills would affect the country but assured continuous monitoring of the situation.

“Anything that transpires around us should be watched keenly and observed because it may or may not have an effect on us,” said Philippine Navy flag officer-in-command Toribio Adaci.

Last April 30, the PCG reported that CCG fired water cannons at civilian ships en route to Scarborough Shoal, as China hasn’t relented on its intrusions in the West Philippine Sea.

(PM)

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