The Philippines is closely monitoring the China Coast Guard vessel 5901, known as the "Monster," the largest Coast Guard ship in the world at 541 feet. This vessel has been stationed at a contested feature in the South China Sea, which analysts interpret as a show of strength supporting Beijing's extensive territorial claims.
Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, a spokesperson for the Philippine Navy, explained to the Philippine News Agency on Tuesday that the "Monster" was deployed following an extended presence of a Philippine Coast Guard ship near the shoal.
Sabina Shoal, located about 700 miles from the nearest Chinese coast and less than 150 miles from the Philippine province of Palawan, falls within the Philippines' internationally recognized exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Under international maritime law, countries have exclusive rights to the natural resources within their EEZs. Beijing's claims in the South China Sea conflict with those of neighboring countries, including the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, and Taiwan.
Trinidad noted that the Philippine vessel had been observing an unusual accumulation of crushed corals. Ray Powell, director of the SeaLight initiative at Stanford University, informed Newsweek that ship tracking data indicated the "Monster" had been stationed at Sabina Shoal since July 3. Although it stopped broadcasting its position on July 31, satellite imagery confirms its continued presence, serving as a visible assertion of China's sovereignty over the area.
The U.N. requires vessels to continuously broadcast their positions via automatic identification systems (AIS) to ensure maritime safety. Powell remarked that there has been no direct confrontation between the vessels, describing it as a situation where both sides are monitoring each other. He speculated that the "Monster" might return to China soon, as Coast Guard ships typically deploy for around a month and a half, but it could be replaced by another large vessel, though not as large as the current one.
In June, the vessel also entered the EEZs of Malaysia and Brunei, according to the Philippine Coast Guard, which detected its movements using dark vessel detection technology provided by Canada.
The presence of the "Monster" and recent clashes, which have left several Philippine troops injured, have heightened tensions and raised concerns about Manila's Mutual Defense Treaty with the U.S. Under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the Philippines' pushback has led to increasingly assertive responses from China. Beijing has accused Manila of provoking tensions in the region at Washington's behest, as part of efforts to contain China.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated on Tuesday, "China's claims regarding territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea are consistent with international law and universal practice. It is the Philippines, not China, that is creating problems in the South China Sea."
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