'Monster ship' leaves, another Chinese vessel takes its place
AFTER nearly a week of lingering in Philippine waters, the China Coast Guard (CCG), dubbed as "the Monster, left the area off the coast of Zambales, only to be replaced by another Chinese vessel. The CCG 5901 has been playing a cat-and-mouse game with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ship, the Teresa Magbanua, as it zigzagged as close as 70 to 80 nautical miles to the coastline. The Teresa Magbanua had been shadowing the CCG 5901, issuing radio challenges to the Chinese vessel that it is illegally sailing in Philippine waters. The PCG has been trying to prevent Chinese incursions into the EEZ, which had increased last year. China wants to impose its presence in the disputed waters to reinforce its claim not only on the West Philippine Sea but practically the entire South China Sea. Its claim has been ruled by an international arbitral court as without merit. In the face of China's aggressive acts, the PCG has refused to be lured into an armed confrontation, adopting a measured and strategic approach to addressing the incursions. PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan said the priority remains the protection of the Philippines' national interests while avoiding actions that could escalate tensions. "Our mission is clear: To safeguard our maritime sovereignty and ensure the rule of law in our waters," said Gavan. "We are committed to exercising restraint while standing firm against illegal activities in our EEZ."
Tomas Kauer - Moderator 
AFTER nearly a week of lingering in Philippine waters, the China Coast Guard (CCG), dubbed as "the Monster, left the area off the coast of Zambales, only to be replaced by another Chinese vessel.
The CCG 5901 has been playing a cat-and-mouse game with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ship, the Teresa Magbanua, as it zigzagged as close as 70 to 80 nautical miles to the coastline.
The Teresa Magbanua had been shadowing the CCG 5901, issuing radio challenges to the Chinese vessel that it is illegally sailing in Philippine waters.
The PCG has been trying to prevent Chinese incursions into the EEZ, which had increased last year.
China wants to impose its presence in the disputed waters to reinforce its claim not only on the West Philippine Sea but practically the entire South China Sea.
Its claim has been ruled by an international arbitral court as without merit.
In the face of China's aggressive acts, the PCG has refused to be lured into an armed confrontation, adopting a measured and strategic approach to addressing the incursions.
PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan said the priority remains the protection of the Philippines' national interests while avoiding actions that could escalate tensions.
"Our mission is clear: To safeguard our maritime sovereignty and ensure the rule of law in our waters," said Gavan. "We are committed to exercising restraint while standing firm against illegal activities in our EEZ."
