Amid the ongoing efforts between China and the Philippines to deescalate the tension in the West Philippine Sea, the Chinese Coast Guard’s largest ship referred to as “The Monster” was again spotted near the Sabina Shoal. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), former US Air Force official and defense attache Ray Powell disclosed that China Coast Guard 5901 was spotted on Wednesday night at the Sabina Shoal where Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua is stationed. “Tonight at Sabina (Escoda) Shoal in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, China’s massive 12,000-ton intimidator China Coast Guard 5901 (“The Monster’), now keeps watch over the Philippine Coast Guard’s BRP Teresa Magbanua,” Powell said in his post.

Recuenco, A. (2024, July 5). China's monster ship 'keeping watch' over PCG vessel off Sabina Shoal. Manila Bulletin, pp. 1, 8.