The ship has been referred to as the "monster" due to its size relative to other coast guard vessels.

[9] Nansha is 164.89 metres (541 ft 0 in) long with a displacement of 12,000 tons, more than double that of the United States Coast Guard's National Security Cutters.

Her size led to the ship being given the moniker "The Monster",[10] which the National Institute for South China Sea Studies of China noted to be a term used by Philippine-based media outlets.

The area is claimed by Indonesia as part of its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

The Philippines, another claimant country, claims that Nansha is engaging in intimidation and her presence is a violation of its own EEZ.