After traversing near the Philippine Naval post in BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal and El Nido in Palawan this week, China’s “monster ship” made an “intrusive patrol” Wednesday morning in Panatag Shoal in Zambales.
Maritime security expert Ray Powell said the Zhaotou-class China Coast Guard (CCG) patrol cutter passed within 1 to 2 kilometers of the shoal of Panatag at 7 a.m. on Wednesday.
The CCG ship, nicknamed “The Monster” because of its size, came closer to the shoal this time compared to May when it was seen 93 km (50 nautical miles) off Panatag.
Panatag has been controlled by China since 2012 after a standoff with the Philippine Navy.
“Scarborough Shoal was China Coast Guard 5901’s final visit in its intrusive patrol of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone,” Powell said.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines has confirmed that the CCG ship was indeed spotted near the BRP Sierra Madre.
“The presence of this 12,000-ton CCG ship near BRP Sierra Madre is part of a broader pattern of intrusive patrols aimed at asserting unlawful claims over areas within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone,” the AFP said in a statement.
China’s monster ship made the intrusive patrol as the AFP said 129 Chinese vessels were swarming various parts of the West Philippine Sea from June 18 to June 24.