A Chinese Coast Guard vessel, identified as CCG 3301, was detected patrolling near Manila Bay on Thursday morning, as reported by maritime monitoring expert Ray Powell. Powell, a former U.S. Air Force official, shared on social media that another Chinese vessel has been avoiding detection by turning off its Automatic Information System (AIS) transponder since July 22.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) also reported spotting the same vessel 62.08 nautical miles west of Capones Island, Zambales, on Thursday. According to PCG spokesperson Tarriela, CCG 3301 departed from Bajo de Masinloc on July 21 and headed toward El Nido, Palawan, before joining the Zhaotim-class CCG 3105.
Tarriela further noted that CCG 3105 had remained stationary 64.5 nautical miles from Tapiutan, El Nido, Palawan, since July 23, after spending more than a day northeast of Recto Bank.
These developments come amid escalating tensions between the Philippines and China over territorial claims in the South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea. The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs recently announced a mutual understanding with China to avoid conflicts at the disputed Ayungin Shoal, following a violent confrontation last month.
The South China Sea is a critical waterway, facilitating over $3 trillion in annual trade. Along with the Philippines and China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei also have overlapping claims in the region. Despite a 2016 international arbitration ruling in favor of the Philippines, China has continued to reject the decision.
