Philippines' Coast Guard Vessel Returns After Completing South China Sea Mission

The Philippines coast guard vessel, Teresa Magbanua, returns from Sabina Shoal after completing a five-month mission monitoring suspected Chinese activities. The vessel's return follows high-level talks between Manila and Beijing. The area remains contested, with both nations trading accusations of intentional ship collisions.

The Philippines is recalling its coast guard vessel, BRP Teresa Magbanua, from the contested Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea after a successful five-month deployment, according to the National Maritime Council.

Since April, Teresa Magbanua has monitored China's suspected small-scale reclamation activities in the area, sparking anger from Beijing. The vessel returns for crew medical needs and repairs, following high-level talks where both nations reiterated their positions on the shoal.

The area, known as Xianbin Reef to China and Escoda Shoal to the Philippines, lies within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone. Recent clashes and mutual accusations of intentional ramming have heightened tensions, despite a previous agreement on resupply missions to a beached Filipino ship.

(With inputs from agencies.)