The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel BRP Cabra confronted one of China’s largest fisheries research vessels, Lan Hai 101, operating near the coast of Pangasinan.
PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Commodore Jay Tarriela, stated on Wednesday night that the Chinese vessel was spotted approximately 25 nautical miles off the Pangasinan coastline.
The PCG asserted that the activities of the Chinese vessel fall within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ), violating the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and the 2016 Arbitral Award.
In addition, BRP Cabra successfully prevented China Coast Guard vessel 3304 from approaching the Zambales coastline.
Despite being smaller in size, BRP Cabra effectively maintained a distance of 78 to 85 nautical miles between the Chinese vessel and the Philippines’ EEZ.
The PCG reaffirmed its commitment to countering the illegal presence of Chinese maritime forces and preventing any attempts to alter the status quo through incursions along Luzon’s coastlines.
It also emphasized that the continued presence of BRP Cabra demonstrates an unwavering dedication to upholding Philippine sovereignty and standing firm against violations of international law while prioritizing peaceful resolution.