Philippines deploys sea and air assets to track Chinese ‘monster ship’, Asia News

MANILA. The Philippines has deployed its army, navy and coast guard in its exclusive economic zone to monitor China’s largest coast guard ship, calling the ship’s presence an act of Chinese “intimidation, coercion and aggression”.

According to the Philippine Coast Guard, the 165-meter vessel 5901, which the Philippines calls the “monster,” was 65-70 nautical miles off the coast of Zambales province on Sunday (Jan 5).

“All our assets are directed at this monster ship. The moment he (performs) any provocative act, he will be given an appropriate response,” National Security Council spokesman Jonathan Malaya told state television on Monday.

The Chinese Embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Ties between China and US ally the Philippines have soured in the past few years, with frequent spats as Manila, under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., rejects what it sees as aggression by Beijing. China has accused the Philippines of repeatedly invading its waters.

China claims most of the South China Sea, a key channel for US$3 trillion (S$4.09 trillion) in annual seaborne trade, as its own territory, with a massive coast guard presence in and around the neighboring EEZ Vietnam, Philippines. and Malaysia.

Beijing rejects a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague that these large maritime claims have no legal basis.

According to a video released by the Philippine Coast Guard, it ordered the Chinese vessel to leave the area, warning that it had no authority to operate there. In its radio response, the Chinese vessel reported that it was performing law enforcement duties in the waters of its jurisdiction.

“This is part of China’s intimidation, coercion, aggression and deception. They are displaying their ship to intimidate our fishermen,” Malaya said, adding that the Philippines’ maritime presence will be increased to support the fishermen.

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