The world’s largest coast guard ship owned by China was spotted yesterday cruising near Ayungin Shoal, where the Philippines maintains a small military outpost on the beached BRP Sierra Madre. Also called “The Monster,” the 12,000-ton China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel with bow number 5901 “passed close by the Philippines’ outpost aboard the BRP Sierra Madre at 2nd Thomas (Ayungin) Shoal,” wrote maritime defense and security expert Ray Powell on his X account.

Ong, G. & Cariaso, B. (2024, June 25). 'Monster' CCG ship spotted near Ayungin. The Philippine Star, pp. 1, 4.