Philippines Reasserts Stance on Sabina Shoal Amid Tensions with China

The Philippines has reaffirmed its stance on Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea, despite ongoing efforts with China to reduce tensions. During a recent bilateral consultation in China, both nations agreed to continue dialogues on cooperation in several areas including maritime scientific endeavors and coast guard collaborations.

The Philippines has reiterated its position on Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea, despite agreeing with China to explore avenues for easing regional tensions, the foreign ministry announced on Thursday.

During another round of bilateral talks in China on September 11, Manila and Beijing agreed to continue discussions on various cooperation areas, particularly focusing on hotline mechanisms, coast guard collaborations, and marine scientific and technological endeavors, according to a ministry statement.

Amid the ongoing dialogue, China reiterated its demand for the immediate withdrawal of a Philippine vessel from the contested area, asserting its intent to 'firmly uphold its sovereignty.'

Described as 'frank' by both sides, the talks occur amid heightened tensions at Sabina Shoal, where mutual accusations of vessel ramming were exchanged just last month. The Philippine coast guard has stationed its Theresa Magbanua vessel at the shoal since mid-April due to suspected Chinese reclamation activities.

In a prior meeting in July, both countries settled on a 'provisional arrangement' for Manila's resupply missions to soldiers stationed at Second Thomas Shoal, despite China's expansive territorial claims rejected by a 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling.

(With inputs from agencies.)