By The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has reported that China’s largest coastguard vessel, described as a 165-meter ‘monster ship’, has anchored within Manila’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea. PCG spokesperson Jay Tarriela announced this development during a news forum on Saturday, characterizing the move as an act of intimidation by China.
According to Tarriela, the Chinese vessel entered the Philippines’ 200-nautical mile EEZ on July 2. The PCG promptly warned the ship about its presence in Philippine waters and inquired about its intentions. The Chinese vessel has reportedly anchored 800 yards away from a PCG ship and has deployed a small boat in the area.
Tarriela emphasized the Philippines’ stance, stating, “We’re not going to pull out and we’re not going to be intimidated.” This incident marks the latest in a series of confrontations between the two nations in the disputed South China Sea region.
The Chinese embassy in Manila and the Chinese foreign ministry have not yet responded to requests for comment on the situation.
This development comes shortly after a high-level dialogue between the Philippines and China, where both sides agreed on the need to “restore trust” and “rebuild confidence” in managing maritime disputes. However, the presence of the Chinese vessel in Philippine waters appears to contradict these diplomatic efforts.
The South China Sea has long been a point of contention, with China claiming most of the area as its own territory. This claim was rejected by a 2016 ruling from The Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration, which stated that China’s expansive maritime claims had no legal basis. Despite this ruling, China has continued its activities in the region, including extensive land reclamation on some islands and the construction of military facilities.
The Philippines has recently declined offers from its treaty ally, the United States, to assist in operations in the South China Sea. This decision comes despite recent tensions with China over resupply missions to Filipino troops on a contested shoal.
This latest incident underscores the ongoing complexities of the South China Sea dispute and the challenges faced by smaller nations like the Philippines in asserting their territorial rights against larger powers. As tensions continue to simmer, the international community remains watchful of developments in this strategically crucial maritime region.
Source: Reuters
