Credits: ABS-CBN
The China Coast Guard’s massive ship, dubbed “The Monster,” has been stationed just under 800 yards from the Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) BRP Teresa Magbanua at Escoda Shoal, an official revealed on Saturday.
Using Canada’s Dark Vessel Detection technology, the PCG tracked the 165-meter Chinese ship, CCG-5901, as it arrived at Escoda Shoal on July 3 after loitering for two days near Ayungin Shoal. Ayungin Shoal is where the Philippines has stationed its warship, BRP Sierra Madre, as a naval outpost.
The Chinese vessel also deployed a rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB) around Escoda. Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, stated that the BRP Teresa Magbanua has been issuing radio challenges to the Chinese ship hourly. However, the Chinese ship has only reiterated its claim of sovereignty over the waters, asserting it is conducting maritime law enforcement operations.
“The China Coast Guard monster ship is now on the starboard side of the 9701, and we still don’t know their intention. We have been challenging their presence through radio calls, informing them that the place where they anchored is part of our exclusive economic zone and that they do not have jurisdiction in that area,” Tarriela told reporters.
China deployed the massive vessel on July 1, despite the ongoing Philippines-China Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea in Manila. Former U.S. Air Force officer Ray Powell, director of the maritime transparency initiative Sealight, stated that China’s deployment is intended to project force and maximize leverage in negotiations.
“From a Chinese perspective, having a large ship like the monster ship helps them to project force and negotiate from a position of strength,” Powell told ABS-CBN News.
Powell added that China typically places the responsibility for de-escalation on the other party. “China’s deployment of its coast guard into Philippine waters signals its claim of jurisdiction and its desire to negotiate terms favorable to itself.”
Tarriela believes that the deployment is meant to intimidate the Philippines. “Regardless of how many China Coast Guard vessels they deploy, or if it’s a PLA Navy vessel, the Philippine Coast Guard will not be intimidated or retreat. With clear guidance from our president and the PCG commandant, we will maintain our presence at Escoda Shoal,” he asserted.
Tarriela also dispelled rumors that the Philippines plans to station the BRP Teresa Magbanua permanently at Escoda, similar to the BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal. He emphasized that the Teresa Magbanua is the PCG’s flagship and most expensive vessel.
The 97-meter multi-role response vessel (MRRV) was deployed to Escoda in April to monitor Chinese activities amid suspected reclamation works. “The Teresa Magbanua’s objective is to advance our national interest and safeguard our position at Escoda Shoal. We don’t pay much attention to the comments of the Chinese government,” Tarriela said.
Dr. Chester Cabalza, president and founder of the think tank International Development and Security Cooperation, noted that the Teresa Magbanua could serve as a strategic outpost at Escoda. “It acts as a visible landmark asserting our territory,” Cabalza told ABS-CBN News. He added that the ship’s presence could deter China’s supposed reclamation attempts in the area.
Powell echoed these sentiments, stating that the Philippines intends to maintain its presence at Escoda, especially following a recent resupply mission. “The Philippines has made it clear that it intends to keep Teresa Magbanua there long-term to maintain a presence and monitor China’s activities,” Powell said.
