Philippines protests China Coast Guard tactics in South China Sea

Manila files against 'escalatory actions' of vessel dubbed 'the monster'

The China Coast Guard has used powerful water cannons on Philippine resupply vessels in disputed waters. © Reuters

January 13, 2025 19:14 JST

MANILA (Reuters) -- The Philippines on Monday called on Beijing to desist from "escalatory actions" at a South China Sea shoal and said a protest has been lodged over the presence of Chinese coast guard, militia and navy in its exclusive economic zone.

The protest stems from the presence of two coast Chinese guard vessels on Jan. 5 and Jan. 10 in and around the disputed Scarborough shoal, one of which was a 165 m (541ft) long boat referred to by the Philippines as "the monster." It said a Chinese navy helicopter was also deployed in the area.