West PH Sea: Philippines alarmed by Chinese ships moving closer to shore

/ 02:29 PM January 14, 2025

West PH Sea: Philippines alarmed by Chinese ships moving closer to shore

This handout aerial photo taken on January 13, 2025 and released by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on January 14 shows Chinese Coast Guard ship 5901 sailing in the West Philippine Sea. Agence France-Presse

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines said Tuesday it was alarmed by Chinese coast guard patrols which are growing closer to the country’s shore.

Beijing claims most of the South China Sea despite an international ruling that its assertion has no legal basis.

Article continues after this advertisement

The Philippines said China’s deployment this month of a “monster” coast guard vessel demonstrated Beijing’s “increasing aggression” in the disputed waterway.

FEATURED STORIES

READ: West PH Sea: 2 largest PCG vessels deployed to shadow China monster ship

“It’s getting closer to the Philippine coastline… and that is alarming,” National Security Council spokesman Jonathan Malaya told journalists Tuesday.

Article continues after this advertisement

Chinese ships have been deployed closer to the Philippine coast this year, Malaya said, with the latest movements an “intimidation tactic” intended to discourage Filipino fishing.

Article continues after this advertisement

“We do not and will not dignify these scare tactics by backing down. We do not waver, or cower in the face of intimidation,” said Malaya.

Article continues after this advertisement

READ: China’s ‘Monster’ coast guard ship back in WPS

The 165-meter (540-foot) “Monster” ship was last located 143 kilometers (89 miles) west of Capones Island in Zambales province.

Article continues after this advertisement

Jay Tarriela, a Philippine Coast Guard spokesman, said: “It doesn’t really carry out very aggressive action, but its mere presence is already concerning.”

The Philippine Coast Guard has deployed 84-meter and 97-meter vessels to pressure the Chinese ship “to move further away from the coast of Zambales,” Tarriela said.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

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

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2025 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.