The BRP Teresa Magbanua, a Philippine Coast Guard ship, was forced to leave Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea after a months-long standoff with Chinese forces. The feature is within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone and just 75 miles from Palawan. Ship-tracking data showed the vessel had to withdraw from the area due to the blockade imposed by Chinese forces. Recent weeks have seen China deploying coast guard and maritime militia ships to uphold the blockade, with reports of Chinese ships ramming vessels attempting supply missions.
The Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson cited unfavorable weather conditions, depleted supplies, and the need to evacuate personnel requiring medical care as reasons for the ship’s withdrawal. The crew reportedly suffered from critical supply shortages, with some members running out of drinking water and needing to gather water from air-conditioning units. Despite leaving Sabina Shoal, the spokesperson emphasized that the area remains part of the country’s exclusive economic zone and denied claims of abandoning the territory.
Chinese state media boasted that the country had “thwarted” the Philippines’ aims at Sabina Shoal, with experts highlighting China’s successful response in preventing the Philippines from achieving its goals. The Global Times quoted a research fellow at the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies warning that the Philippines could attempt similar long-term deployment tactics at other South China Sea features. The two countries held bilateral talks on South China Sea disputes prior to the ship’s withdrawal from Sabina Shoal.
Recent trends have marked an increase in Chinese Coast Guard activity near Palawan, opening a new front in the long-standing territorial dispute with the Philippines. China has accused the Southeast Asian country of attempting an “illegal” occupation of Sabina Shoal, echoing similar claims made regarding Second Thomas Shoal. An international tribunal in 2016 dismissed China’s sweeping claims in the South China Sea, where multiple countries have conflicting territorial claims.
The Philippines maintains a Mutual Defense Treaty with the U.S., with President Joe Biden and administration officials stressing Washington’s commitment to its oldest Asian ally. The Philippines’ withdrawal from Sabina Shoal represents a significant development in the long-running territorial dispute in the South China Sea. Despite the challenges faced by the Philippine Coast Guard ship during the standoff, the country remains committed to upholding its claims in the region and engaging with China through bilateral mechanisms.
