China replaced its coast guard vessel allegedly illegally operating near Zambales with a “Monster Ship” last February 1, adding turmoil to an already tense West Philippine Sea.
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Commodore Jay Tarriela, confirmed on Saturday night that the BRP Teresa Magbanua has driven the China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel 3304 away from the Zambales coastline. The Philippine vessel kept to a distance of 110 to 115 nautical miles from the shore, acting as a deterrent against the massive Chinese vessel.
Tarriela said that while the CCG vessel is massive, the crew of BRP Teresa Magbanua stood firm and courageous.
The PCG reiterated that the actions of the CCG are illegal and violate the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), an international treaty signed by China. The agency has continued to condemn China’s intrusions in the region, affirming its rights over its exclusive economic zone.
This newest development emphasizes the ongoing maritime disputes in the West Philippine Sea, where China has become increasingly assertive, notwithstanding international rulings that dismissed its expansive territorial claims.
