China Coast Guard (CCG) ships finally left the Philippines' exclusive economic zone almost a month since its largest ship, said to be world's biggest, enters the area near the coast of Zambales in January.

PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela said the Chinese Coast Guard vessels 3301 and 3104 were shadowed by BRP Cabra until they left the Philippine EEZ on Monday.

"Throughout this operation, the Chinese vessels were radio challenged, highlighting their absence of legal authority to patrol the area as stipulated by the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and the 2016 Arbitral Award," he said.

"The Philippine Coast Guard remains unwavering in its commitment to uphold the nation’s maritime rights and safeguard national interests in the West Philippine Sea, ensuring a vigilant approach without escalating tensions," he added.

Tarriela said according to dark vessel detection data, as of Tuesday morning, "the Chinese Coast Guard vessels were tracked at distances of 61 nautical miles and 81 nautical miles from Guangdong Province, China, respectively". Robina Asido/DMS