PCG thwarts anew China ship’s advance to Zambales

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has again thwarted another attempt, the second in two days, by the China Coast Guard (CCG) to move closer to the coastline of Zambales.

In a post on X on Sunday, PCG spokesman for West Philippine Sea issue Commodore Jay Tarriela said the BRP Cabra was able to keep the CCG vessel with bow number 3103 at a distance of 90 to 100 nautical miles from the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

On Friday, the PCG reported having pushed back the same vessel from the country’s EEZ near Zambales.

“It is noteworthy that although BRP Cabra is only 44 meters in length, the Chinese Coast Guard has deployed CCG-3304 at a distance, appearing to serve as a supporting vessel for CCG-3103,” Tarriela said.

He also noted that CCG vessel with bow number 5901, nicknamed “monster ship,” was spotted a few nautical miles away from the area later in the day.

He stressed that the PCG has not let down its guard against incursions by Chinese ships or any foreign vessel.

“The PCG will not allow China to alter the status quo by encroaching closer to the coastline of Zambales,” Tarriela said.

“Our continued presence serves as a clear demonstration of our commitment to upholding our sovereign rights and a steadfast stance against any violations of international law, all while prioritizing a peaceful approach,” he added.

The PCG also reported over the weekend China’s use of a long-range acoustic device to harass Philippine vessels in the West Philippine Sea. An LRAD produces high-decibel sounds that can potentially damage hearing.

Comic book

In his post on X, Tarriela also defended the release of a comic book on the West Philippine Sea, rejecting China’s claim that it promotes anti-China sentiment. He said the book is an educational tool based on historical and legal facts.

He emphasized that the comic book primarily aims to educate Filipinos on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 Arbitral Award, which invalidated China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea.

“This foundational knowledge is essential for Filipinos to avoid becoming victims of fake news and misinformation, particularly claims from a country like China, which is over 500 nautical miles away, asserting sovereignty over specific maritime features,” Tarriela said.

He stressed there are historical documents such as the 1734 Murillo Velarde map and various treaties that support the Philippines’ maritime claims and entitlements in the South China Sea.

Beijing, citing a Chinese expert, said on Sunday that the publication would not help resolve South China Sea disputes and would even damage long-term bilateral relations.

The Chinese state media claimed the comic book aims to manipulate young students through brainwashing approach.

“It is worth questioning whether this ‘expert’ is even aware of China’s illegal deployment of vessels in the West Philippine Sea or the harassment of Filipino fishermen by Chinese maritime forces,” Tarriela said.

“If he is truly an expert, he should recognize that this comic book publication is a minor concern compared to the escalatory and provocative actions of his own government,” he added.

He also challenged China’s legal basis for its territorial claims, citing the arbitral ruling invalidating its nine-dash line, now a ten-dash line, claim.

“Would it be more constructive for our diplomatic relations to rely solely on imaginary dashes, while dismissing a comic book grounded in factual information as harmful?”

Boarding officer course

Meanwhile, the PCG and the United States Coast Guard Southeast Asia Training Team concluded on Friday their multinational Boarding Officer Course in Davao City.

The event was funded by the State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs.

Thirty-two participants attended the training event, including 20 members of the PCG and the Philippine National Police-Maritime Group, and partners from the Vietnam Coast Guard, Vietnam Customs Anti-Smuggling and Investigations Department, Vietnam Department of Fisheries Surveillance and the Indonesia Coast Guard. The Australian Border Force also observed the first week of activities. — Pia Lee-Brago