Philippines Confronts 'Monster' Chinese Vessel in Maritime Standoff

The Philippines has deployed military and coast guard resources to monitor a large Chinese coast guard vessel in its exclusive economic zone, labeling the ship's presence as intimidation. Relations between the Philippines and China have strained due to frequent maritime disputes, with existing tensions over territorial claims in the South China Sea.

The Philippines' military and coast guard have intensified their monitoring of a major Chinese coast guard vessel in their exclusive economic zone, describing the ship's presence as intimidation and aggression. Dubbed the 'monster' by Filipino authorities, the vessel was spotted 65 to 70 nautical miles off the coast of Zambales province.

Jonathan Malaya, spokesperson for the National Security Council, stated that all necessary assets have been deployed to counter any provocative actions by the Chinese ship. Beijing, which often lays claims to most of the South China Sea, has not yet responded to requests for comment from the Chinese embassy in Manila.

The incident is the latest in a series of maritime disputes straining ties between China and the Philippines under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. As tensions continue to mount, Philippine authorities have vowed to increase maritime patrols to protect local fishermen, challenging China's extensive claims across the South China Sea as ruled illegal by The Hague-based court in 2016.

(With inputs from agencies.)