Recent weeks have seen escalating tensions between China and the Philippines over territorial claims in the South China Sea, particularly around Sabina Shoal, also known as Escoda Shoal in the Philippines and Xianbin Reef in China.
Located in the disputed Spratly Islands and just 75 miles from the Philippines’ Palawan province, this uninhabited reef sits squarely within Manila’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), where it has rights to natural resources.
Ted Aljibe/AFP via Getty Images
Since April, the Philippines has stationed one of its largest coast guard vessels, the BRP Teresa Magbuana, at Sabina Shoal after discovering crushed coral, raising fears of a potential Chinese artificial island construction. In response, China has intensified its maritime presence, often blocking the Philippines from resupplying its ship.
Despite the growing animosity, Manila has committed to maintaining a presence in the area. China, on the other hand, accuses the Philippines of using its ship as a reason to linger in the waters, similar to a situation involving a grounded Philippine warship at Second Thomas Shoal.
Coast Guard Collisions
On August 19, a couple of Philippine Coast Guard cutters experienced minor damage after colliding with Chinese ships. Manila condemned China’s aggressive maneuvers, while Beijing released footage blaming the Philippines for the incident. China reaffirmed its sovereignty over the Spratly Islands, warning the Philippines to cease provocations.
China’s claim to these islands overlaps with those of several Southeast Asian nations, including Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei, creating a complicated geopolitical landscape.
Another Clash
Days later, a second incident occurred when Chinese naval vessels intercepted a Philippine fisheries bureau ship on a humanitarian mission. Manila claims the ship was delivering essential supplies to local fishermen, but a confrontation ensued, leading to damage from Chinese water cannons.
The Chinese side asserted their ships took action due to perceived illegal presence in the waters near Sabina Shoal, prompting Manila to demand an end to what it called provocative actions.
Blocked Supply Mission
In a significant escalation, a massive Chinese fleet, including coast guard and military ships, thwarted two Philippine coast guard vessels from delivering supplies to the Teresa Magbuana.
With the supplies critically low, the Philippine coast guard had to resort to airlifting essential provisions after repeated attempts to deliver them were blocked.
Potential U.S. Involvement
In light of these developments, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Admiral Samuel Paparo indicated that Washington is considering escorting Philippine vessels in the contested waters, pending consultations between the allies. He emphasized that options under the Mutual Defense Treaty are on the table.
While President Biden assures the defense pact with Manila is robust, the U.S. has remained cautious about direct engagement in this territorial dispute.
‘Tolerance Has Limits’
In a recent statement, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Wu Qian demanded the Philippines withdraw its presence at Sabina Shoal, asserting that while dialogue is preferable, Chinese patience has its boundaries.