The China Coast Guard has recently escalated tensions in the South China Sea by deploying one of its two supersized cutters, the CCG-5901, to a position inside the Philippine exclusive economic zone (EEZ). This move has drawn international attention, adding to the already strained relations between Manila and Beijing. The deployment is one of several unusual Chinese military activities in the region, including a large-scale carrier exercise near the Paracel Islands.
The CCG-5901, tied with its sister ship as the largest coast guard cutter in the world, boasts a cruiser-sized displacement of 12,000 tonnes. In comparison, the U.S. Coast Guard’s Legend-class National Security Cutter, with a displacement of just 4,500 tonnes, appears relatively small.
CCG-5901 departed from Hainan Island on July 1 and headed directly to Second Thomas Shoal, a primary flashpoint in the Spratly Islands. This reef is occupied by a small Philippine military garrison stationed on the BRP Sierra Madre, a grounded tank landing ship. After leaving Second Thomas Shoal, the Chinese cutter made a short transit to Sabina Shoal, approximately 30 nautical miles to the east. It dropped anchor and remained in the area for two days.
Chinese government vessels frequently loiter in this region to interfere with Philippine supply shipments to the outpost on Second Thomas Shoal. However, the CCG-5901’s decision to anchor within 800 yards of the Philippine Coast Guard cutter BRP Teresa Magbanua was particularly provocative. While modern, the Magbanua is only a fifth of the size of the Chinese cutter.
Rising Tensions in the South China Sea
“It’s an intimidation on the part of the China Coast Guard,” Philippine Coast Guard spokesman Jay Tariella told Reuters.
He emphasized that the area is part of the Philippine EEZ and reiterated that the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will not retreat from Manila’s internationally-recognized maritime boundaries. China, however, claims the western Philippine EEZ as Chinese sovereign territory, including Second Thomas Shoal and other features. In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague dismissed China’s claims, stating they had no basis in international law.
Adding to the regional tension, China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA Navy) recently deployed a carrier strike group for exercises near the Paracel Islands. The CNS Shandong, a Chinese-built carrier, conducted maneuvers alongside a Type 075 amphibious assault vessel, two Type 055 destroyers, and four other ships. The Type 075 is comparable to the U.S. Navy’s Wasp-class amphibious ships, serving similar functions to helicopter carriers.
These developments highlight China’s increasing assertiveness in the South China Sea, an area rich in resources and strategic importance. The CCG-5901’s deployment and the PLA Navy’s exercises near the Paracel Islands are seen as part of a broader strategy to assert control over contested waters and deter rival claims.
The international community has expressed concern over China’s actions, fearing they could lead to increased militarization of the region and potential conflicts. The United States and its allies have called for freedom of navigation and adherence to international law in the South China Sea, emphasizing the importance of resolving disputes peacefully.
The deployment of CCG-5901 inside the Philippine EEZ is particularly concerning for Manila, as it underscores the power imbalance between the two nations. The Philippines, while maintaining a modernizing navy and coast guard, lacks the scale and resources of China’s maritime forces. This disparity puts the Philippines at a disadvantage in defending its territorial claims and ensuring the security of its waters.
In response to the recent developments, the Philippine government has reiterated its commitment to upholding its sovereignty and protecting its maritime interests. Philippine officials have called for diplomatic solutions and the continued support of international partners to address the challenges posed by China’s actions.
The situation remains tense, with both sides showing no signs of backing down. The Philippine Coast Guard’s determination to stand firm, despite the intimidation tactics employed by the China Coast Guard, reflects a broader resolve to defend national sovereignty and uphold international law.
As the South China Sea continues to be a focal point of geopolitical tension, the actions of regional powers and their responses will be closely watched. The deployment of the world’s largest coast guard cutter by China serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics at play and the need for careful navigation to avoid escalation and ensure stability in this vital region.
