Philippine Coast Guard Issues Radio Challenge to China's 'Monster' Vessel Near Zambales

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has deployed a patrol ship and two aircraft to monitor China Coast Guard (CCG) Vessel 5901, the world’s largest coast guard ship, after it was sighted 100 kilometers off Capones Island, Zambales province, on Saturday.

Known as “The Monster,” the 12,000-ton vessel was detected using Canada’s Dark Vessel Detection system, prompting immediate action from the PCG.

According to Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, the BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409), along with a helicopter and a Caravan aircraft, was sent to verify the incursion and assert Philippine sovereignty. The PCG issued radio challenges to the Chinese vessel, emphasizing that the ship’s presence was within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ), as defined by the Philippine Maritime Zones Law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

As of Sunday, CCG Vessel 5901 remained approximately 120 to 130 kilometers from Zambales, while the BRP Cabra continued its surveillance. Commodore Tarriela stated that the PCG is committed to ensuring Filipino fishermen can operate safely within the country’s EEZ without harassment.

This latest incident highlights ongoing tensions in the West Philippine Sea, where China has been asserting its maritime claims despite a 2016 ruling by an international arbitral tribunal invalidating Beijing’s nine-dash-line claim.

Frequent Incursions by ‘The Monster’

CCG Vessel 5901 has been spotted repeatedly within the Philippines’ EEZ, raising concerns about Beijing’s efforts to normalize its presence in contested waters. In May, the vessel was observed 93 kilometers off Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal, a site 222 kilometers from Luzon and well within the Philippines’ EEZ.

The vessel has also been involved in activities near other maritime features claimed by the Philippines. Between June 17 and June 27, it passed near 12 maritime features in the country’s EEZ, occasionally supplying other Chinese vessels. It also approached the BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal and passed near El Nido, Palawan.

After briefly exiting the EEZ in late June, the vessel returned in July, navigating close to Ayungin Shoal and heading toward Panganiban (Mischief) Reef. On July 31, it turned off its automatic identification system (AIS), complicating efforts to track its movements.

China’s Growing Presence at Panatag Shoal

CCG Vessel 5901 first arrived near Panatag Shoal on January 1 to bolster Beijing’s presence in the area. The shoal, also known as Bajo de Masinloc, is 926 kilometers from China’s Hainan Island but lies well within the Philippines’ EEZ. The shoal has been a flashpoint since 2012, when Beijing seized control following a standoff with the Philippine Navy.

Three additional CCG ships and seven maritime militia vessels were reportedly recently observed near the shoal. Despite international rulings and ongoing diplomatic talks between Manila and Beijing, China continues to assert control over the region.