Philippines sends new coast guard ship to Sabina Shoal

The Philippines has deployed a new coast guard vessel to Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea, replacing the Teresa Magbanua, which recently returned to port after a five-month mission. This action comes amid ongoing tensions with China, which has demanded the withdrawal of the Teresa Magbanua, claiming it was illegally stranded. The Philippine government maintains that the shoal lies within its exclusive economic zone and is crucial for monitoring potential Chinese land reclamation activities in the area. The Teresa Magbanua's mission was deemed successful, and its return was necessary for crew medical needs and repairs. The Philippine Coast Guard has emphasized its commitment to maintaining a presence in the contested waters, with plans for the new vessel to continue monitoring activities in the region. This deployment is likely to escalate tensions with China, which has criticized the Philippines' actions as a serious infringement on its territorial sovereignty. Recent interactions between the two nations have included accusations of vessel ramming incidents near Sabina Shoal, highlighting the ongoing maritime disputes. The Philippines reaffirmed its stance on the shoal during high-level talks with China, while Beijing reiterated its demand for the withdrawal of Philippine vessels. The situation remains tense, with both nations asserting their claims over the contested waters. China's coast guard has vowed to continue law enforcement activities in the area, asserting its jurisdiction over the waters. The backdrop of this conflict includes a 2016 ruling by the Hague arbitration tribunal, which invalidated China's extensive claims in the South China Sea, a decision that Beijing has consistently rejected.