(UPDATE) THE world's largest coast guard ship has joined other Chinese vessels that have been swarming near the Ayungin Shoal, which is inside the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ). According to United States-based national security expert Ray Powell, the CCG (China Coast Guard) 5901, nicknamed "the monster" because of its size, joined another CCG vessel, 4203, and the "still-growing swarm" of 32 Chinese maritime vessels in Ayungin, identified in international maritime maps as the Second Thomas Shoal. In the past, China has used its coast guard vessels and Chinese maritime militia to harass, intimidate and shadow Philippine vessels in the West Philippine Sea. Philippine security officials have not confirmed the latest massing of Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea. There have been numerous documented instances of Chinese vessels gathering in huge numbers inside the country's EEZ.

Source: Manila Times July 14, 2023 20:57 UTC