The biggest vessel of China Coast Guard (CCG), dubbed “The Monster,” was sighted near BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal, the Armed Forces of the Philippines on Tuesday said.
In a statement, the AFP said the sighting of the 12,000-ton Chinese ship — also the largest coast guard ship in the world — was part of the claimant’s “broader pattern of intrusive patrol” aimed at asserting unlawful claims over the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
“The Armed Forces of the Philippines closely monitors all activities in the West Philippine Sea as part of our commitment to maritime domain awareness and the protection of our territorial integrity, sovereignty, and sovereign rights.”
The CCG vessel was sighted on Monday near the Philippine naval post in Ayungin Shoal.
“As of 9:00am, the 12,000-ton CCG vessel passed close to the Philippines’ naval post and was heading north,” maritime security expert Ray Powell said.
The sighting of The Monster came after the June 17 ramming incident in the area between the Philippine Navy and CCG and maritime militia vessels.
“We emphasize that such actions by the CCG are illegal, coercive, and contrary to the spirit of maintaining peace and stability in the region,” the AFP said.
“Our forces will continue to monitor and report any developments in the WPS in the performance of our mandate. We call on all nations to respect international law and to refrain from actions that escalate tensions in the WPS,” the military added.
Also on Tuesday, the Philippine Navy reported at least 129 Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea in the last week.
According to data released by the Navy, from June 18 to 24, a total of 14 CCG vessels were roaming around Bajo de Masinloc in Zambales (5), Ayungin Shoal (6) and Pag-asa Island (3).
The Philippine Navy also reported 5 People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN vessels around Bajo de Masinloc (1) and Ayungin Shoal (4) during the same period.
The presence of some 110 Chinese maritime militia vessels was also recorded.
In May, “The Monster” — with bow number 5901 — also conducted an “intrusive patrol” in Scarborough Shoal, Philippine Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad said.
Scarborough Shoal, also known as Panatag Shoal, is within the Philippines’ 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline AFP confirms sighting of CCG ‘monster’ ship near Ayungin