CCG 4305 Re-Spotted Off Zambales on Day 3, Then Withdraws From Philippine EEZ After Sustained PCG Radio Challenges

China Coast Guard vessel CCG 4305 was re-spotted off the coast of Zambales on May 21, 2026 — the third consecutive day of its unauthorized patrol inside the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone west of Pandaquit. Philippine Star confirmed the CCG 4305's continued presence in its May 21 reporting, while the PCG maintained aerial and surface surveillance pressure. The vessel subsequently withdrew from Philippine EEZ waters after the Philippine Coast Guard issued continued radio challenges, with Manila Standard confirming the departure occurred in response to sustained PCG challenge operations. The CCG 4305's three-day unauthorized patrol off Zambales (May 19-21) ended without any kinetic engagement — consistent with the pattern seen in other CCG intrusions where vessels withdraw after extended non-kinetic PCG challenges when no kinetic escalation is forthcoming. PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan described the departure as the result of the PCG's assertive but non-kinetic maritime enforcement strategy. The three-day incursion off Zambales is operationally significant because it demonstrates China's willingness to extend CCG patrols beyond the traditional contested Spratly Islands zone into the Luzon western littoral — 48nm from the Philippine coastline. Canada's Dark Vessel Detection Program's role in flagging the vessel's unauthorized presence was highlighted by Philippine officials, illustrating how international intelligence-sharing partnerships are increasingly integral to Philippine maritime domain awareness operations. No injuries or property damage were reported during the three-day Zambales standoff.