MANILA, Philippine: The Philippines will continue to deploy vessels to the contested Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea, despite tensions with China, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) confirmed on Monday.
A coast guard ship, the Teresa Magbanua, recently returned to port after a five-month mission monitoring suspected Chinese land reclamation activities in the area.
PCG spokesperson Jay Tarriela emphasized that the return was for maintenance and crew health needs, not due to Chinese demands for withdrawal.
Sabina Shoal, located within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone west of Palawan, is claimed by both the Philippines and China, the latter referring to it as Xianbin Reef. Tarriela affirmed that the Philippines is committed to maintaining a coast guard presence at all times, regardless of vessel size or number.
China’s coast guard responded, stating it would continue law enforcement in waters under its jurisdiction, asserting sovereignty over most of the South China Sea. This claim overlaps with maritime zones of several Southeast Asian nations.
