The Philippines has accused a giant Chinese coast guard vessel it dubbed as the “Monster” of maintaining an “illegal presence” in its exclusive economic zone as Beijing ramps up activities in the disputed South China Sea.

MALACAÑANG on Tuesday said the Philippines viewed with concern the presence of China's "monster coast guard ship" in the Philippine waters, saying the government is actively challenging such incursions.

Observers interpret the presence of the 165-metre vessel near Scarborough Shoal as a warning to Manila about its military ties with the US.

The Philippines has deployed air and sea assets of its military and coast guard in its exclusive economic zone to monitor China's largest coast guard vessel, calling the ship's presence an act of Chinese "intimidation,

THE PHILIPPINES on Tuesday said it views with alarm the presence of China’s largest coast guard ship within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), vowing to continue sea patrols. “We view it with concern,

Malacañang on Tuesday expressed concern over the presence of the China Coast Guard's (CCG) “monster ship” in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. In a Palace press briefing, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has been closely

Malacaang expresses "grave concern" over the presence of China's so-called monster ship off the coast of Zambales, adding that the Philippines is actively challenging its presence.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) stressed Tuesday that it will not be deterred in performing its mandate of patrolling our seas and air despite the presence of China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel 5901 within the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).