Philippines Protests China's South China Sea 'Monster Ship'

The Philippines has lodged a diplomatic protest against China following the presence of Chinese coast guard vessels, including the large 'monster ship', within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) near the disputed Scarborough Shoal. The vessels, spotted as close as 77 nautical miles from Zambales province, are seen by Manila as a significant escalation and a violation of its sovereign rights, prompting the Philippine Coast Guard to deploy its own vessels in response. Beijing, however, maintains that its patrols are lawful and accuses Manila of spreading malicious remarks. This latest incident exacerbates ongoing tensions between the two nations, as China's expansive territorial claims in the South China Sea overlap with multiple Southeast Asian countries' EEZs. Despite a 2016 international tribunal ruling invalidating China's claims, Beijing continues to assert sovereignty over the area. The diplomatic protest adds to the over 60 previously filed by the Philippines against China's actions in the region.