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Philippines eyes China’s giant ship with ‘concern’; coast guard on standby

The PHILIPPINES on Tuesday said it is watching with fear the presence of a huge Chinese coast guard ship in the middle of its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), vowing to continue patrolling the sea.

“We are watching with concern,” Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin told a news conference at the presidential palace. “Until now, we have been challenging the existence of that great ship.”

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Monday said it was a “mysterious movement” of 165 meters long. China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel 5901which Manila calls a “monster ship,” within the Philippine EEZ indicates that it is not involved in an innocent way.

“The Coast Guard, our Coast Guard, has been very vigilant in tracking the presence of that large vessel,” said Mr. Bersamin, who heads the National Maritime Council.

Although there has been no conflict, it requires continued vigilance, he added.

The Philippines will pursue diplomatic ways to resolve its maritime dispute with China, including submitting protests and engaging with the Chinese government in high-level talks, Mr. Bersamin said.

The Philippine Coast Guard previously said the Chinese vessel “is conducting law enforcement operations, claiming that the sovereignty over these waters belongs to the People’s Republic of China.”

The giant ship was last seen 65 miles southwest of Los Frailes Island in Zambales province in the northern Philippines.

PCG said 44.5 meters BRP Cabra “remains steadfast” in opposing China, “actively seeking and shadowing.” CCG-5901 to uphold the rights of the Filipino monarchy.”

It said the Philippine Coast Guard vessel continues to send radio calls to the Chinese vessel.

China’s largest coast guard vessel was located 54 kilometers from Capones Island in Zambales, the PCG said on Sunday, citing Canada’s black vessel detection program.

After the Philippine authorities found the ship, PCG Commander Ronnie Gil L. Gavan immediately ordered the ship’s dispatch. BRP Cabra and a PCG helicopter and a PCG caravan “to ensure their entry and ensure their presence.”

The PCG had previously called the ship’s presence an act of Chinese “intimidation, coercion and violence.”

“All our goods have been pointed at this monster ship. When he (does) any provocative action, it will be met with an appropriate response,” said Jonathan E. Malaya, spokesman for the National Security Council, on state television on Monday.

China’s embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Relations between China and the Philippines have been strained over the past few years, with frequent clashes as Manila under President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. is pushing back against what it sees as Beijing’s aggression. China has accused the Philippines of repeatedly encroaching on its waters.

China claims much of the South China Sea, a vital conduit for $3 trillion in annual shipping trade, as its territory, which has many coast guards and the surrounding EEZs of neighbors Vietnam, the Philippines and Malaysia.

Beijing rejects a 2016 ruling by the Hague-Permanent Court of Arbitration that said those extended maritime claims were illegal.

The PCG has ordered the Chinese vessel to leave the area, warning that it has no authority to operate there, according to a video it shared. In its radio response, the Chinese vessel said it was carrying out law enforcement activities within its waters.

“This is part of China’s intimidation, coercion, violence and deception. They show their ship to scare our fishermen,” said Mr. Malaya, adding that the presence of the Philippine sea will be improved to support the fishermen. – KAT Atienza with Reuters


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