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Chinese Vessels Exit Philippine Waters
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) confirmed that two China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels spotted near Bolinao, Pangasinan, have left the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The PCG vessel BRP Cabra closely monitored and radio-challenged the Chinese ships, emphasizing their lack of legal authority in the area based on international and Philippine maritime laws. The CCG ships were initially seen 34 nautical miles from Bolinao before moving farther away. Tensions remain high as China continues to claim almost the entire South China Sea, despite a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration rejecting its claims, a decision China refuses to recognize.
Two China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels, previously seen near Bolinao, Pangasinan, have left the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ), according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Tuesday.
PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS), Commodore Jay Tarriela, stated that the PCG ship BRP Cabra closely monitored the CCG vessels identified by bow numbers 3301 and 3104.
"The PCG vessel, BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409), undertook a vigilant operation yesterday, closely shadowing Chinese Coast Guard vessels 3301 and 3104 until their exit from the Philippine EEZ," he said.
Tarriela explained that the PCG ship issued radio challenges to the Chinese vessels, emphasizing their lack of legal authority to patrol the area under the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and the 2016 Arbitral Award.
As of 7 a.m., he reported that CCG 3301 and 3104 were positioned 61 nautical miles and 81 nautical miles away from Guangdong Province, China, respectively.
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