China recently deployed one of its massive coast guard ships, known as 'The Monster,' within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ), sparking tensions in the ongoing territorial dispute in the South China Sea. The China Coast Guard vessel CCG-5901, weighing 12,000 tons and measuring 541 feet in length, anchored near Sabina Shoal in the Spratly Islands, well within the Philippines' 230-mile EEZ.
Despite being significantly larger than the Philippine Coast Guard's vessels, including the BRP Teresa Magbanua, the Chinese ship positioned itself in close proximity to a Philippine patrol ship at Sabina Shoal. This move was perceived as an act of intimidation by Philippine officials, who reiterated their commitment to defending their territorial claims in the South China Sea.
