China Drops Massive ‘Monster’ Coast Guard Ship in Philippine Waters – Sparks Outrage

The Philippines said that China anchored the largest coastguard vessel in an exclusive economic zone (EEZ), calling it an “intimidation.” The territorial dispute between the two nations in the South China Sea is worsening.

On the 6th, Jay Tarriela, a spokesperson for the Philippine Coast Guard, stated, “China’s largest coast guard vessel has been anchored in the Philippine EEZ since the 2nd.” Also called a “monster ship,” 5901 is the world’s largest Coast Guard vessel, 541 feet long. It was reported that the 5901 was anchored with other boats about 2,395 feet away from a Philippine Coast Guard vessel. The Philippine Coast Guard warned China for entering the EEZ and questioned its intentions. Tarriela emphasized that this incident was “Intimidation on the part of the China Coast Guard.“

“We’re not going to pull out, and we’re not going to be intimidated,” he added.

The Chinese Coast Guard entered the EEZ on the 2nd during the diplomatic talks between the two countries in Manila, Philippines. Although both countries discussed measures to restore trust regarding the South China Sea conflict, maritime disputes continue.

On the 17th of last month, a Chinese Coast Guard motorboat rammed into a boat carrying unarmed Philippine soldiers in the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea. The Chinese borders were armed with swords, axes, and spears. One Philippine soldier lost his right thumb during the collision, and several others were injured. The Philippines has demanded 60 million pesos (approximately 1.2 billion USD) in damages from China.

According to Reuters, the US offered to support the Philippines following the recent collision, but the Philippines turned it down. Romeo Browner, the Chief of Staff of the Philippine Armed Forces, stated that the Philippines preferred to handle the situation independently.

He noted, “Yes, of course, they have been offering help and asked how they could help us. We try to exhaust all possible options before we ask for help.” Eduardo Año, the National Security Advisor of the Philippines, also wants it to be a “Pure Philippine operation,” stating, “This is our legitimate national interest, so we don’t see any reason for them (the US) to come in.“

China is causing conflicts with the international community, especially in Asia, by claiming sovereignty over about 90% of the South China Sea. To be specific, disputes between the Philippines and China occur most frequently. The Philippines has intentionally grounded the Sierra Madre ship in the disputed area and stationed its soldiers there. China is deliberately obstructing the resupply missions for these soldiers. Experts believe the US can provide direct support, such as naval escorts for these resupply missions, and support for monitoring the BRP Sierra Madre.