The situation near Scarborough Shoal remains tense, with the Philippines aggressively tracking a massive Chinese Coast Guard vessel known as the “Monster,” which has been detected in the vicinity. This warship, part of China’s forceful maritime policy, has sparked serious worries about territorial claims in the South China Sea.
The “Monster,” formally designated CCG 5901, is the world’s largest coast guard ship and has been claimed to be operating in the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). As of January 6, it was around 148 kilometres off Lubang Island, maintaining what Philippine authorities call a “illegal presence” in these seas.
In response to this circumstance, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has dispatched its own vessels and planes to track the Chinese ship’s movements. The PCG’s BRP Cabra is now trailing the Monster and exerting Philippine territorial claims via radio conversations. The PCG has indicated that it would continue to contest China’s presence in Philippine seas until it stops to operate there.
The Monster’s arrival coincides with China’s heightened military action in the region, which includes naval manoeuvres and helicopter training operations. This escalation comes after a series of clashes between Chinese and Philippine warships near Scarborough Shoal, a traditional fishing area for Filipinos that is now mostly controlled by China.
Under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the Philippines has increased diplomatic measures to prevent Chinese intrusions, as well as marine patrols. The United States has also shown support for the Philippines by carrying out freedom-of-navigation operations in the region.
The continued deployment of the Chinese Coast Guard vessel near Scarborough Shoal highlights escalating tensions between China and the Philippines over maritime rights and sovereignty in this strategically crucial area.
