The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported on Tuesday the sighting of China Coast Guard (CCG) 5901, the world’s largest coast guard ship known as “The Monster,” near BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal, GMA News Online reported citing a statement from the AFP.
“We have noted reports of a large China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel passing near the BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal,” the AFP stated, adding that this 12,000-ton vessel’s presence is part of broader intrusive patrols aimed at asserting unlawful claims over the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Now approaching 🇵🇭Thitu (Pag-Asa) Island is the world's largest coast guard ship (12,000 tons), 🇨🇳#China Coast Guard 5901, commonly referred to as "The Monster". pic.twitter.com/M7Iq338ODK
— Ray Powell (@GordianKnotRay) June 19, 2024
The AFP condemned the presence of the CCG vessel as “illegal, coercive, and contrary to the spirit of maintaining peace and stability in the region.” The Philippine military emphasized its commitment to enforcing international maritime laws, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and urged other countries to respect international law and avoid actions that exacerbate tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Earlier, China Coast Guard 5901 was reported conducting a brief intrusive patrol near Scarborough Shoal in May. The vessel was later seen approaching Pag-Asa Island on June 19 and passed near BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal on June 24, according to US Air Force official and ex-Defense Attaché Ray Powell. The ship was also reportedly heading toward Escoda Shoal, where the Philippine Coast Guard ship BRP Teresa Magbanua has been stationed since April.
The Philippine Navy has reported an increase in Chinese vessel activity around the West Philippine Sea, with a total of 129 Chinese vessels, including five warships, being monitored from June 18 to 24. These vessels were seen in various locations, including Bajo de Masinloc, Ayungin Shoal, Pag-Asa Islands, Lawak Island, Panata Island, and Recto Bank.
Tensions escalated on June 17 when a Philippine Navy sailor lost his thumb and others were injured after CCG personnel repeatedly rammed Philippine Navy rubber boats to prevent them from delivering supplies to BRP Sierra Madre. CCG personnel were also seen brandishing weapons, and damage to the Navy boats included slashed sides and a smashed navigational screen.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. described the incident as “an aggressive and illegal use of force by the Chinese forces” and emphasized the Philippine government’s commitment to finding peaceful solutions. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. reiterated the country’s stance against using force or intimidation in the West Philippine Sea.
Beijing’s territorial claims in the South China Sea overlap with those of the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei. Despite a 2016 international arbitration tribunal ruling that China’s claims have no legal basis, Beijing does not recognize the decision. The Philippines refers to parts of these waters within its EEZ as the West Philippine Sea.
Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo, addressing a Senate inquiry, emphasized the Philippines’ efforts to bring China back to the negotiation table. “We will pursue the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international laws, specifically the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 Arbitral Award,” Manalo said.
