PCG continues to call out Chinese ship near Zambales coast

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) continues to call out the “illegal presence” of a China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel near the Zambales coast.

In a statement on Thursday evening, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Commodore Jay Tarriela said CCG 3304 was spotted 105 to115 nautical miles from the coast of Zambales.

“In compliance with the directive from President Bongbong Marcos, the PCG, BRP Teresa Magbanua, continues to assert the Philippines' sovereign rights in response to the illegal presence of the CCG 3304,” Tarriela said.

“This vessel is currently situated approximately 105 to 115 nautical miles off the coast of Zambales, within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ),” he added.

Through radio, Tarriela said the PCG has been calling out the Chinese vessel that its presence was a violation of the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and the 2016 Arbitral Award.

Tarriela said BRP Teresa Magbanua has remained vigilant in monitoring Chinese vessels in the area for over a week despite challenging sea conditions with wave heights reaching three to four meters.

“The PCG is dedicated to safeguarding the maritime rights of the Philippines, ensuring the safety of Filipino fishermen, enforcing international law, and working towards the de-escalation of tensions in the WPS,” he said.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun earlier defended the presence of their vessels in the Philippines’ EEZ.

"Let me reiterate that China’s sovereignty and rights and interests in the South China Sea were established in the long course of history, and are solidly grounded in history and the law and compliant with the international law and practice," the official said.

Guo maintained the CCG "conducts patrols and law enforcement activities in relevant waters in accordance with the law, which is fully justified."

"We call on the Philippines once again to immediately stop all infringement activities, provocations and false accusations, and stop all its actions that jeopardize peace and stability and complicate the situation in the South China Sea," he added.

Tensions continue as Beijing claims almost all of the South China Sea, a conduit for more than $3 trillion of annual shipborne commerce, including parts claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei.

The Philippines referred to their claims in the South China Sea as the West Philippine Sea.

In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines over China's claims in the South China Sea, saying that it had "no legal basis."

China refused to recognize the decision. — BAP, GMA Integrated News