February 2, 2025 | 2:31pm

Philippine Coast Guard Responds to China Coast Guard Incursion in Exclusive Economic Zone

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has identified two China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels operating within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) off the coast of Pangasinan. This incident underscores the ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

CCG Vessels Detected by PCG

In a statement on Sunday, February 2, PCG spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela disclosed that the CCG vessels, identified as CCG-3301 and CCG-3104, were spotted approximately 34 nautical miles off the coast of Pangasinan. The detection was made possible through the PCG’s Dark Vessel Detection program, designed to monitor and identify vessels operating without visible identification.

Deployment of PCG Resources

To confirm the presence of the CCG vessels and challenge their activities, the PCG deployed an islander aircraft to conduct visual identification and a radio challenge. At around 9:30 AM on the same day, the aircraft verified the illegal presence of the Chinese Coast Guard vessels by their bow numbers, 3301 and 3104. Notably, the CCG vessels did not respond to the radio challenge.

In response to this incursion, the PCG dispatched two 44-meter vessels, the BRP Cabra and the BRP Bagacay, to Bolinao, Pangasinan. These vessels are set to reinforce the government’s stance against illegal patrols by the People’s Republic of China within the Philippines’ EEZ.

Previous Incidents and Ongoing Tensions

Similar incidents have occurred in recent times, with the most recent one on Saturday, February 1, where the BRP Teresa Magbanua pushed away CCG vessel CCG-3304 from the coastline of Zambales. The PCG spokesperson firmly stated that the actions of the Chinese Coast Guard are illegal and violate the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which both China and the Philippines have signed.

Following the departure of CCG-3304, China dispatched the CCG-5901, known colloquially as the “monster ship,” to maintain its presence in the area. Despite this deployment, the PCG is effectively maintaining a distance of around 110-115 nautical miles from the coast of Zambales.

Historical Context

The current territorial disputes in the South China Sea have deep historical roots. In 2016, an international arbitration tribunal in The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines, stating that China’s claims in the South China Sea were without legal basis. However, China has not recognized this ruling, leading to ongoing tensions in the region.

Implications for Regional Stability

The recent incursions raise questions about regional stability and the enforcement of international maritime law. The Philippine government is committed to upholding its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and its actions will likely influence future regional dynamics.

As the situation continues to evolve, the international community will be watching closely to see how the tensions develop and if there will be further attempts at dialogue to resolve these long-standing issues.

This incident highlights the strategic importance of the South China Sea and the determination of coastal nations to protect their maritime rights and interests.

Conclusion

The recent activities of the China Coast Guard within the Philippines’ EEZ underscore the complexities and challenges faced by nations in the South China Sea. The Philippine Coast Guard’s response demonstrates a strong commitment to maritime security and national sovereignty.

As stakeholders and observers alike closely follow these developments, it is crucial to engage in constructive dialogue and diplomacy to ensure regional stability and the peaceful resolution of territorial disputes.