West PH Sea: Philippines alarmed by Chinese ships moving closer to shore

This handout aerial photo taken on January 13, 2025 and released by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on January 14 shows Chinese Coast Guard ship 5901 sailing in the West Philippine Sea. Agence

THE PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER | Published January 14, 2025

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines said Tuesday it was alarmed by Chinese coast guard patrols which are growing closer to the country’s shore.

Beijing claims most of the South China Sea despite an international ruling that its assertion has no legal basis.

The Philippines said China’s deployment this month of a “monster” coast guard vessel demonstrated Beijing’s “increasing aggression” in the disputed waterway.

“It’s getting closer to the Philippine coastline… and that is alarming,” National Security Council spokesman Jonathan Malaya told journalists Tuesday.

Chinese ships have been deployed closer to the Philippine coast this year, Malaya said, with the latest movements an “intimidation tactic” intended to discourage Filipino fishing.

“We do not and will not dignify these scare tactics by backing down. We do not waver, or cower in the face of intimidation,” said Malaya.

The 165-meter (540-foot) “Monster” ship was last located 143 kilometers (89 miles) west of Capones Island in Zambales province.

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