Ahmed Jubayer
The world’s largest coast guard vessel from China has dropped anchor in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesman Jay Tarriela reported on social media X. According to him, by deploying the “monster ship”, China is trying to intimidate the country’s authorities, but this idea is doomed to fail.
This is an attempt at intimidation by the Chinese Coast Guard. We are not going to retreat and we will not be intimidated , Tarriela assured.
He specified that the vessel in question was CCG-5901. It is 165 m long, larger than the American Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser. CCG-5901 is armed with a 76 mm naval gun and two 30 mm auxiliary guns, as well as two anti-aircraft guns. The ship entered the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone in early July, proceeded to Ayungin Shoal and moved to Panganiban Reef, then was found moving towards Escoda Shoal, where it dropped anchor.
Earlier, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated that the republic does not intend to take part in the confrontation between the powers in the South China Sea. He emphasized that the country will not choose one side or the other, nor will it use force against anyone in defending its interests.
Earlier, the Financial Times wrote that the United States is afraid to impose red lines on the People’s Republic of China in the situation with the South China Sea. Washington is afraid that Beijing may resort to trickery, the journalists noted. The publication identified the rusty hull of the Philippine vessel Sierra Madre, which ran aground on a disputed reef, as a potential point of tension.
