Rappler Recap: Philippines won’t ‘cower’ vs China’s ‘scare tactics’ off Zambales coast

More than a week after the Philippines reported China's incursions in waters off Zambales, what's Manila to do next?

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine security officials called for a press conference on Tuesday, January 14, more than a week after the China Coast Guard (CCG) started deploying vessels, including its so-called “monster ship,” to an area some 70 to 90 nautical miles off the coast of Zambales.

Commodore Jay Tarriela, Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, noted it is “new” behavior for the CCG in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone — the area isn’t among the usual sources of tension, and it’s the closest a Chinese ship as large as the “monster ship” has sailed to our shores.

Rappler reporter Bea Cupin recaps the press conference, explaining why these incursions are alarming, and what the Philippines plans to do — or not do — moving forward.

You can also watch the press conference in full here:

– Rappler.com