The China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel 5901, otherwise known as the “monster ship,” has replaced another Chinese vessel within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and positioned 97 nautical miles off the coast of Zambales,

The Philippines said a huge Chinese coast guard ship widely known as the “Monster” has returned to its exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea, prompting its own coast guard vessel to approach and issue a radio challenge.

The Philippine Coast Guard on Friday issued a radio challenge against a China Coast Guard vessel off the coast of Zambales in the West Philippine Sea.

A Coast Guard vessel has continued to challenge the presence of Chinese ships “exhibiting erratic movements” in waters off Zambales.

China has accused the Philippines of repeated encroachment in its waters. China with its largest navy in the world claims most of the South China Sea, a key conduit for $3 trillion of annual ship-borne trade, as its own territory, with a massive coast guard presence in and around the EEZs of neighbours Vietnam, the Philippines, and Malaysia.

MANILA: China’s “monster ship” has left the coastline of Zambales, but another Chinese vessel is heading to the area it vacated, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

THE PHILIPPINES on Tuesday said it views with alarm the presence of China’s largest coast guard ship within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), vowing to continue sea patrols. “We view it with concern,

A Chinese navy helicopter hovered over a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel as China's monster ship lingered in Philippine waters. Footage shows the People's Liberation Army-Navy (PLA-N) aircraft with tail number 47 circling above the PCG BRP Cabra monitoring the gargantuan China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel 5901 some 70 nautical miles off Zambales province on January 7.

The PCG has been monitoring the "monster ship" since last Saturday, when it was spotted by the Dark Vessel Detection system 54 nautical miles off Capones Island in Zambales.