Sun Sep 15 10:03:10 UTC 2024: ## Philippine Coast Guard Replaces Vessel at Disputed South China Sea Reef After China Standoff
MANILA – The Philippines has replaced a Coast Guard vessel that had been stationed at a disputed reef in the South China Sea for months after a standoff with Chinese vessels, officials announced Sunday.
The BRP Teresa Magbanua, which had been anchored at Sabina Shoal since April to assert Philippine claims, has returned to its homeport.
The vessel’s departure was attributed to the medical needs of its crew and necessary repairs, including damage sustained in a collision with a Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessel in August.
However, officials emphasized that a new PCG vessel will “immediately” take over the duties at Sabina Shoal.
“Definitely, we will keep our presence there,” said Alexander Lopez, spokesperson for the National Maritime Council.
The move is likely to further escalate tensions with China, which claims sovereignty over almost all of the South China Sea, despite a 2016 international tribunal ruling against its claims.
China has repeatedly asserted its control over Sabina Shoal, known as Xianbin Jiao in Chinese, and has criticized the Philippines for maintaining a presence in the area.
The recent standoff has highlighted the growing tensions over the strategically important waterway. The Teresa Magbanua was even blocked by Chinese vessels last month during a resupply mission, leading to critical shortages of food and provisions for the crew.
This incident echoes the 2012 seizure of Scarborough Shoal by China, after a tense standoff with the Philippines.
Manila has repeatedly accused China of harassment against its vessels in the South China Sea, but the Philippines has also maintained its commitment to finding a peaceful solution to the maritime disputes.
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