China has defended the presence of its “monster ship” within the Philippine exclusive economic zone (EEZ) that Malacañang views with concern.
"It is fully justified," said Guo Jiakun, spokesman for China's Foreign Ministry, at a press briefing in Beijing on Tuesday, Jan. 7.
Guo said that China's Coast Guard (CCG) was only conducting "its patrols and law enforcement activities in relevant waters in full accordance with the law" when it deployed its giant vessel to the waters off Capones Island in Zambales.
China's basis in making presence into the Philippine EEZ is that it is part of its territory on historical basis, a claim that was already refuted by international law and the Arbitral Ruling on the South China Sea issued by The Hague in 2016.
Over the weekend, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) detected China's monster ship using Canada's dark vessel detection system, triggering the agency to conduct an aerial monitoring over the ship.
"As in previous encounters, the CCG-5901 was subjected to radio challenges, highlighting her unlawful operations within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone and asserting that she lacks the legal authority to conduct law enforcement patrols in the area," Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesman, said.