Philippines deploys OPVs to shadow China's ‘monster ship'

The China Coast Guard Zhaotou-class offshore patrol ship Haijing 5901 , seen here in an image taken by the Philippine Coast Guard in January 2025. (Philippine Coast Guard)

The Philippine Coast Guard has deployed two of its larger offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) to shadow the China Coast Guard Zhaotou-class offshore patrol ship Haijing 5901 that is said to be loitering within Manila's exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Speaking to reporters at a specially convened media conference on 14 January, Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela disclosed that Haijing 5901 is loitering about 77 n miles west of Capones Island. It is believed to have been in the area over the last few days.

The vessel has often been referred to by Manila as a “monster ship”.

In response to this deployment, the Philippine Coast Guard has deployed its 97 m OPV BRP Teresa Magbanua and its 84 m patrol vessel BRP Gabriela Silang, Cdre Tarriela said.

Haijing 5901 is one of two 165 m Zhaotou-class offshore patrol ships operated by the China Coast Guard. It is the largest class of ships to be operated by a coastguard service. Haijing 5901 is believed to have arrived in the South China Sea on or around 5 January.

“The presence of the monster ship in our waters is illegal and inconsistent with the exercise of freedom of navigation and innocent passage,” said Philippine National Security Council Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya at the same media conference.

“It is clearly a provocative act. It is also a clear attempt to intimidate our fishermen and deprive them of their legitimate livelihood,” he added.