Philippines Condemns Continued "Illegal" Chinese Maritime Presence Its Territorial Waters And EEZ, China Calls Them Law Enforcement Patrols

The Philippine Government asserts its "unwavering" commitment to countering the Chinese presence in critical maritime areas, despite China's competing sovereignty claims over the waters.

SOUTH CHINA/WEST PHILIPPINE SEA—The Philippines, which is a major non-NATO ally to the United States, has condemned the ongoing "illegal" presence and activities of Chinese maritime forces within its territorial waters and exclusive economic zone (EEZ) throughout January.

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A statement released by the country's National Maritime Council highlights the intrusion of Chinese Coast Guard vessels and a PLA Navy helicopter, emphasizing that these actions violate the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and international law.

The Philippine government says it remains unwavering in its commitment to asserting sovereignty and has deployed Coast Guard vessels to confront and counter the Chinese presence in critical maritime areas, where China also claims sovereignty.

On Monday Philippine Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada and Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros called for stronger, unified action against the recent Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) incursions into Philippine waters.

Estrada said in a statement cited by the official Philippine Government News Agency (PNA), “The repeated incursions of Chinese Coast Guard vessels into Philippine waters, particularly within our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), require a comprehensive and proactive response from our government".

"Estrada emphasized the importance of leveraging the 2016 Arbitral Award, a decision by the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) that affirmed the Philippines' claim to sovereign rights in the maritime areas of the West Philippine Sea (WPS)," PNA reported.

"I have said many times that we have the legal grounds to fight for our rights," a translated statement by Estrada said, adding, “I think it's crucial to take action now. We need a proactive, united, and sustained approach to protect our rights and ensure the safety and security of our people".

“The Philippines will not yield to coercion or intimidation when faced with challenges to our sovereignty.”

Philippine Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros said in a different statement, “China is not starting the year right. Instead of keeping the peace in the region, she has chosen to create more disturbance".

She then said, "Together, let us show China that no ‘Monster’ ship can scare us".

The Chinese Coast Guard vessel 5901, also known as a "Monster" vessel was first detected outside the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) on January 6th.

"Since then, the Philippine Coast Guard reported sightings of CCG vessel “3103” heading to Zambales to replace CCG-5901, after its five-day incursion into Philippine waters. CCG vessel “3304” eventually replaced vessel “3103"," PNA reported.

The news agency added that the Philippine Coast Guard has accused Beijing of "normalizing" the deployments in order to "alter the existing status quo" in the contested waters.

Continued Daily Maritime Incidents In The Region Between China And the Philippines From January 4th to January 12th, 2025: