China's largest Coast Guard vessel has begun to sail away from the waters off Zambales after loitering there for four days, only to be replaced by another Chinese ship in what authorities call a calculated move to maintain Beijing's illegal presence in the area.

MANILA, Philippines — China’s “monster ship” continues to operate near Luzon for the fourth consecutive day, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported Tuesday night.

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Tuesday expressed “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 Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) challenged the largest ship of the China Coast Guard (CCG), which was spotted 54 nautical miles off Capones Island, Zambales on Saturday.