South China Sea: Sabina Shoal may be new hotspot as Philippines, Beijing spar over sovereignty
- Analysts note shoal’s location ideal for projection of power and call for Manila to strengthen presence in disputed area to counter China
Manila on Monday rejected a claim by a China Coast Guard spokesperson that the presence of the BRP Teresa Magbanua, a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ship stationed at the shoal, violated Beijing’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights. The Chinese side also claimed the vessel had been “illegally stranded” on the shoal.
Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesman for the West Philippine Sea, denied the accusation, saying the BRP Magbanua had been “intentionally deployed to maintain our presence and ensure the protection of this area of the West Philippine Sea”, referring to the part of the South China Sea that lies within the country’s exclusive economic zone.
“Given our sovereign rights in these waters, the Philippine coastguard can remain there for as long as necessary,” Tarriela added.
Manila has had the BRP Teresa Magbanua deployed to the shoal – a low-tide elevation feature that is part of the Spratly Islands, located 75 nautical miles (139km) from the island province of Palawan – since April to monitor and prevent alleged illegal activities by Chinese vessels.