China ‘monster ship’ seen at Ayungin Shoal –US maritime expert

The biggest maritime vessel of the China Coast Guard (CCG) was recently spotted inside the West Philippine Sea (WPS), according to a US maritime security expert.

Former US Air Force official and ex-Defence Attaché Ray Powell said on Twitter that China’s “monster ship” was seen together with more than 30 Chinese militia vessels at the Ayungin Shoal — well within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, according to a report on "24 Oras Weekend."

GMA Integrated News sought comment from the Department of National Defense, the National Security Council, and the Chinese Embassy, but they have yet to issue statements.

In July 2016, the UN Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, based on a case filed by the Philippines, junked China’s nine-dash line theory claiming the entirety of the South China Sea.

The historic ruling upheld the Philippines' claims in the highly-contested territory based on its exclusive economic zone provided under the 1982 UNCLOS.

China did not participate in the legal proceedings and continues not to recognize the arbitral tribunal's decision. — Sundy Mae Locus/DVM, GMA Integrated News