‘Monster ship’ in West PH Sea part of China’s intimidation tactics – expert

By: - Reporter / @zacariansINQ
/ 03:35 PM June 25, 2024

'Monster ship' in West Philippine Sea part of China's intimidation tactics - expert

Track of China Coast Guard’s 5901 in the West Philippine Sea. The ship was last spotted near El Nido Palawan, according to SeaLight director Ray Powell.

MANILA, Philippines — The presence of the China Coast Guard’s (CCG) “monster ship” in the West Philippine Sea is part of the tactic used by China to intimidate and threaten the country amid its increasing aggression towards Filipino ships.

Despite this, maritime expert and UP Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea Director Jay Batongbacal said the country has no reason to fear China’s “illegal” intimidations.

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“Parte ‘yan ng malawakang intimidation o pananakot sa ating bansa na ginagawa ng China, pinapakita nila ang kanilang laki ng pwersa at kaya nilang gawin ang gusto nila,” said Batongbacal in a Bagong Pilipinas Briefing.

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(That’s part of China’s massive intimidation or threat, they are showing the size of their forces and they can do what they want.)

READ: West Philippine Sea monitor spots China ‘monster ship’ near Ayungin

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“Pero sa kabila noon lahat po yan ay illegal. Hindi tayo dapat matakot diyan, wala silang justification na ipilit ang sarili sa’tin,” he added.

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(But despite that, all of that is illegal. We should not be afraid of that, they have no justification to force themselves on us.)

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Batongbacal then reiterated that China’s actions are illegal under international law, urging the national government to continue in its efforts to push back China’s encroachment of Philippine waters.

Asked what he thinks of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s decision to maintain settling disputes with China peacefully, Batongbacal responded that it was the appropriate response.

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“Kahit sa ating saligang batas, talagang tinatakwil natin ang digmaan at paggamit ng dahas sa ating foreign policy, kaya ang paggamit ng diplomasya ay tama lang,” he said.

READ: PH Navy sailor loses thumb, others injured in CCG ramming incident

(Even in our constitution, we really reject war and the use of force in our foreign policy, so the use of diplomacy is right.)

“Pangalawa doon makikita natin na Pilipinas talaga ang nasa tama, dahil kahit papaano tignan ‘yung kabila talaga ang gumagamit ng dahas at pamimilit dito sa isyu na ito,” he added.

(Second, we can see that the Philippines is really in the right, because you look at it, it is the other side constantly using force and coercion on this issue.)

However, Batongbacal reminded that the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal has the right to defend itself as an active service military vessel, should China attempt to take control of it.

The CCG’s “monster ship” was first spotted near the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal on Monday.

It was seen exactly a week after China Coast Guard vessels rammed a Philippine resupply ship on its way to BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal during a humanitarian mission.

The said incident resulted in a Philippine Navy sailor losing a thumb, with several other naval personnel also reported to have sustained minor injuries.

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Batongbacal said that while the incident could not be classified as an “armed attack,” it was still an illegal use of force and coercion.

For comprehensive coverage, in-depth analysis, visit our special page for West Philippine Sea updates. Stay informed with articles, videos, and expert opinions.

TAGS: China, West Philippine Sea

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