The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Friday issued a radio challenge against a China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel off the coast of Zambales in the West Philippine Sea. The PCG on Saturday said CCG vessel 3304 was illegally sailing at approximately 70-80 nautical miles off the coast of Zambales.

The Philippines has deployed air and sea assets to monitor and challenge the presence of China's largest coast guard vessel, known as the "Monster Ship," within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The 165-meter-long vessel,

A Philippine Coast Guard patrol ship issued a radio challenge to Chinese vessels off Zambales province due to their illegal presence in the West Philippine Sea.

China's largest Coast Guard vessel has begun to sail away from the waters off Zambales after loitering there for four days, only to be replaced by another Chinese ship in what authorities call a calculated move to maintain Beijing's illegal presence in the area.

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

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.

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.

Observers interpret the presence of the 165-metre vessel near Scarborough Shoal as a warning to Manila about its military ties with the US.