Philippine marine and aerial assets are constantly shadowing the largest ship of the China Coast Guard (CCG) as it prowls the West Philippine Sea (WPS), the National Security Council (NSC) said yesterday.

Beijing’s 165-meter “monster ship” has been roaming the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone closely monitor by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), NSC spokesperson Jonathan Malaya told reporters.

Last week, a Chinese submarine drone was retrieved off Masbate, raising fears Beijing may be actively spying on Philippine military assets.

Malaya said the PCG’s BRP Cabra was keeping a close watch on the Chinese vessel’s movements, while the military’s Northern Luzon Command has been placed on standby.

Another PCG ship, the BRP Islander, has been dispatched to assist the BRP Cabra in tailing the Chinese vessel.

“We are not letting this slide, we continue our radio challenges, and we are making sure that it is not engaging in any unlawful activities within our exclusive economic zone,” he added.

Malaya said the presence of the monster ship in the country’s EEZ was “alarming” as it could affect the livelihood and security of Filipino fishermen in their traditional fishing grounds in the WPS.

Since last year, he said, the government has been talking with the fishermen, urging them to continue their fishing activities in Philippine waters despite the presence of Chinese vessels.

“Notwithstanding the presence of this ship, it does not affect the government’s operations. We will continue to support our fishermen,” he said.

Show of force

Meanwhile, Malaya said China’s deployment of its monster ship in the WPS could be a show of force to justify its illegal claim to the territorial waters.

“It seems part of an intimidation, part of China’s coercion, aggression, and deception. They are showing off that they have this huge ship and scaring our fishermen to stop fishing in the West Philippine Sea,” he said.

Malaya said the Philippines will intensify its presence in the WPS in response to China’s continuing intimidation.

“The more the Philippines will deploy coast guards and assets from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources to support our fishermen,” he said.

Malaya said Philippine vessels continue to radio challenge the monster ship.

“There was no blocking or any dangerous maneuvers. It continues to sail. Given that, we don’t want to be the precursor of any provocative action. As of now, we are monitoring and shadowing it,” he said.

Law enforcement

In a recorded radio challenge, personnel from the monster ship insisted that “China firmly upholds its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea,” as it tries to drive away Philippine vessels in the WPS.

“This is China Coast Guard, vessel 5901. I’m performing law enforcement duties on the jurisdictional waters of the People’s Republic of China. The so-called award for the South China Sea arbitration is illegal and invalid. China neither accepts it nor recognizes it,” the challenge went.

The CCG also insisted on China’s adherence to managing maritime interests through dialogue and cooperation.

“I hope you will safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea and maintain mutual trust and cooperation between our countries with concrete action,” China’s radio challenge continued.