China Monitors Philippine Vessels Around Sabina Shoal Amid Sovereignty Dispute

Tensions rise as China's coast guard monitors Philippine patrol and fishing vessels near the contested Sabina Shoal, claiming sovereignty over the Spratly Islands. The Philippines asserts the area falls within its exclusive economic zone, leading to a standoff in the South China Sea, a key trade route worth $3 trillion annually.

China's coast guard has announced it is actively monitoring Philippine patrol and fishing vessels congregating around Sabina Shoal, reinforcing its claim of "indisputable sovereignty" over the Spratly Islands in the contentious South China Sea.

Since Saturday, China's coast guard has been surveilling these vessels, according to spokesperson Gan Yu. Philippine authorities, including patrol boats from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and numerous fishing boats, have converged near a Philippine ship that China asserts is "illegally stranded" at the shoal, violating its territorial and maritime rights.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) rebuffed China's claims, stating Sabina Shoal is within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ). PCG Spokesperson Jay Tarriela clarified the presence of the BRP Teresa Magbanua, noting it was deployed to safeguard the EEZ. The PCG further supported local fishermen with fuel supplies while maintaining the shoal's strategic importance.

China calls the shoal Xianbin Reef, while the Philippines refers to it as Escoda Shoal, positioned just 150 km from Palawan Island. Allegations of China constructing an artificial island there have been denied, with both nations locked in longstanding disputes over territories in the South China Sea, a hub for $3 trillion in annual trade.

Last month, Manila agreed to resume resupply missions with China’s provisional consent to ameliorate tensions. Despite Beijing’s sweeping territorial claims, the Permanent Court of Arbitration determined in 2016 that China's assertions lacked legitimate standing under international law.