INQToday: China’s ‘monster ship’ returns to West Philippine Sea amid talks

Here’s a quick roundup of today’s top stories:

DFA: PH, China committed to easing tensions in West Philippine Sea

Amid China’s increasing aggression in the West Philippine Sea, both the Philippines and China have resolved to de-escalate tensions in the region “without prejudice to their respective positions,” said the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

The DFA made the pronouncement after the 9th Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea (BCM) was held in Manila on Tuesday.

China’s ‘monster ship’ returns to West Philippine Sea amid bilateral talks

Amid ongoing talks between Manila and Beijing, China Coast Guard’s (CCG) biggest vessel dubbed as the “monster ship” returned to the West Philippine Sea on Wednesday morning.

West Philippine Sea monitor Ray Powell told INQUIRER.net on Wednesday that CCG vessel with hull number 5901 was spotted off Ayungin Shoal at 7:26 a.m. and is now going towards Mischief Reef.

AFP chief: 50,000 challenges issued vs foreign ships in PH’s EEZ

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. on Tuesday said that around 50,000 challenges have so far been issued against foreign vessels within the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in 2024 alone.

Brawner made the pronouncement after noting that the AFP continues to monitor on its radar systems the country’s surrounding coasts and territorial waters against foreign vessels.