Published in its print edition on January 11 – 17, 2025
The Chinese government through its “monster ship” is bullying once again to the detriment of the Filipinos who have been upholding the country’s sovereign rights along the West Philippine Sea.
This came as the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) issued another radio challenge earlier against the monster ship-named China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel 5901 for unlawfully operating off Zambales coastline.
The move of the PCG to counteract the foreign bullying through its 83-meter French-built vessel BRP Gabriela Silang should serve as a warning to the Chinese ship which has been infringing Philippine waters along 60 to 70 nautical miles from the Zambales coastline. The area is within the 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone.
The Chinese Coast Guard vessels must be reminded again and again of their unlawful actions such as having maritime patrols outside their exclusive economic zone.
In the past, Chinese ships continue to bully Philippine ships as if they own the waters. The monster ship’s presence is crystal-clear that it is unauthorized and a blatant violation of international maritime law.
Reports have it that the continuing patrol of Chinese Coast Guard 5901 reminds of the broad activities of the said country in the South China Sea that dates back these early days of January and even in 2024. In fact, the Philippine government also recorded Chinese coast guard vessels known as CCG 3103 and CCG 3502 as scouring the waters near the disputed Scarborough Shoal.
True, a sort of an iron hand is needed, not a token resistance, must be imposed against unlawful deployments of Chinese ships.
This deplorable act should not be tolerated at all cost.#
