China’s ‘monster’ coast guard vessel returns to west philippines sea

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) confirmed the redeployment of the 12,000-ton CCG 5901 vessel over the weekend, a move described as part of China’s strategy to “normalize” its presence in disputed waters.

The CCG 5901’s return follows a brief patrol by a smaller Chinese coast guard ship, identified as CCG 3304, which had been operating off the coast of Zambales. The PCG’s BRP Teresa Magbanua pushed the smaller vessel out of Philippine waters through persistent radio challenges, according to Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson.

“China responded by deploying its largest ship to outmaneuver us,” Tarriela said, noting that the Chinese vessel was last spotted 176 kilometers (95 nautical miles) off Zambales.

Despite rough seas and wave heights reaching up to 5 meters, the BRP Teresa Magbanua has continued its patrols, monitored the Chinese vessel’s movements while asserted Philippine sovereignty through radio communications.

The return of “The Monster” highlights Beijing’s intent to establish routine patrols in areas within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ), a tactic that Tarriela warns could “alter the existing status quo” if left unchallenged.

This follows the release of a controversial Chinese map in 2023, which extended Beijing’s territorial claims to nearly the entire South China Sea through its so-called “10-dash line.”

The Philippines, alongside several other nations, has rejected China’s claims, citing a 2016 ruling by an international tribunal in The Hague that invalidated Beijing’s expansive assertions.

“These deployments are part of a broader effort to normalize their control over disputed areas,” Tarriela said.

The Chinese vessel reportedly arrived near Panatag Shoal, also known as Bajo de Masinloc, earlier this month. This area, located just 222 kilometers (120 nautical miles) off Luzon, has long been a flashpoint in Sino-Philippine relations. Panatag Shoal remains within the Philippines’ EEZ but has been under Chinese control since a 2012 standoff.

Satellite imagery analyzed by the SeaLight project at Stanford University shows an increase in Chinese maritime activity at the shoal, with three additional coast guard ships and seven maritime militia vessels also present.

The PCG emphasized the importance of publicizing China’s activities to the international community. “By exposing these unlawful deployments, we aim to prevent such actions from becoming the norm,” Tarriela said.

On Saturday, the BRP Teresa Magbanua approached the CCG 5901 and issued a radio challenge, declaring the Chinese ship’s operations within the Philippine EEZ illegal.

“We will continue to guard our waters and uphold international law while ensuring that tensions remain manageable,” Tarriela added.

The Chinese coast guard’s aggressive posturing, coupled with its deployment of heavily armed vessels, has intensified calls for the Philippine government to strengthen its maritime defense capabilities.

The 165-meter-long CCG 5901 is larger than a U.S. Navy Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser, equipped with anti-aircraft guns, and capable of staying at sea for up to 45 days.

“We’re witnessing a clear effort to reshape the maritime landscape,” said Ray Powell, director of the SeaLight project, which tracks activities in the South China Sea.

Beijing’s actions in the West Philippine Sea continue to test Manila’s resolve.

Even though the PCG remains persistent in asserting the nation’s maritime rights, analysts warn that the presence of heavily armed Chinese vessels stresses the growing risk of potential confrontations in the contested waters.