Approach any closer and we'll act? China deploys numerous vessels within 23 nautical miles of Luzon Island; if the Philippines provokes further, they may enter within 12 nautical miles!
On the evening of June 21, the Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson disclosed to the public a piece of information: since June 16, China's Coast Guard vessel CG-5304 has been continuously operating in the waters west of Luzon Island, sailing closely along the island's coastline back and forth.
The Philippine Coast Guard repeatedly attempted to drive it away via radio communication, but the Chinese vessel remained completely silent throughout. Based on AIS signal trajectories and information released by Philippine authorities, CG-5304 has sailed approximately 15 nautical miles east of the "Nine-Dash Line," reaching as close as within 23 nautical miles of the Luzon Island shoreline at its closest point.
Since early June 2026, the Philippines has significantly escalated provocative actions near Huangyan Island (Scarborough Shoal). Filipino forces have continuously gathered coast guard ships, government vessels, and civilian fishing boats in the area, repeatedly entering Chinese territorial waters to provoke friction.
Early June saw multiple Philippine institutions releasing statements based on satellite imagery, demanding China “completely remove” relevant facilities. On June 12, Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Tariela released aerial footage; the following day, he announced plans to continue monitoring Chinese research vessels.
Meanwhile, the U.S. and Philippines are conducting joint maritime operations within the so-called Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone, with the U.S. Coast Guard participating for the first time.
This time, China is responding in kind. The operational route of CG-5304 is clearly documented. Since June 16, the vessel has been shuttling between 27 and 45 nautical miles west of Luzon Island. Its northernmost track approached the coast north of Burgos, Ilocos Norte, by just 27.29 nautical miles.
The Philippine Coast Guard dispatched patrol vessel BRP Malabrigo multiple times to send radio calls to CG-5304. They also deployed patrol aircraft for close-range reconnaissance. However, all attempts at communication and surveillance received no response—Chinese vessels neither accelerated nor decelerated, maintaining their predetermined course and steady navigation.
AIS signals indicate that CG-5304 has recently entered within 23 nautical miles of the Luzon Island coastline. Under international law, 12 nautical miles is the baseline for territorial seas, and the adjacent zone extends another 12 nautical miles beyond. China’s coast guard vessel’s current cruise activity lies at the edge of the contiguous zone, falling well within the legally permitted scope of freedom of navigation. This indicates one clear fact: the initiative is no longer in the hands of the Philippines.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1868752409151552/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.