Overview

• The Chinese vessel CCG-5901, dubbed 'The Monster,' is significantly larger than US and Philippine coast guard ships.
• Philippine officials view the ship's presence as an act of intimidation amidst ongoing territorial disputes.
• China claims nearly all of the South China Sea, despite a 2016 ruling rejecting its claims.
• The Philippines has vowed not to back down and continues to assert its maritime rights.
• Japan and the Philippines recently signed a defense pact, reflecting regional concerns over China's military actions.