The Philippines has decided to bring back its coast guard vessel, BRP Teresa Magbanua, after a five-month deployment at the contested Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea. The maritime council announced this decision on Sunday, declaring the mission a success. The Teresa Magbanua was sent in April to monitor suspected Chinese reclamation activities in the area.
Monitoring Chinese Activity
For five months, BRP Teresa Magbanua patrolled Sabina Shoal, which is about 150 km west of Palawan, a Philippine province. This region lies within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Manila sent the vessel because they believed China was carrying out small-scale reclamation work. Reclamation is when a country builds artificial islands or expands land areas, often for military or strategic purposes. The coast guard’s presence in the area upset China, leading to heightened tensions.
The Teresa Magbanua’s mission was to act as a sentinel, watching over Philippine waters. Its role was seen as a necessary move by the Philippines to assert its rights in the region. Over the past few months, there were several incidents between Chinese and Filipino vessels near the shoal, making it a hot spot for potential conflict.
Beijing’s Concerns and Tensions
China has long claimed almost the entire South China Sea. This claim overlaps with the maritime zones of several Southeast Asian countries, including the Philippines, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam. China refers to Sabina Shoal as Xianbin Reef, while the Philippines calls it Escoda Shoal.
The tension between Manila and Beijing has led to multiple clashes in the waters surrounding Sabina Shoal. In recent months, both countries accused each other of ramming their vessels. These incidents happened just after the two nations reached an agreement on resupplying a stranded Filipino naval ship in another contested area called the Second Thomas Shoal.
High-Level Talks and Diplomatic Moves
Last week, high-level talks took place between officials from Manila and Beijing. During these discussions, the Philippines reaffirmed its claim over Sabina Shoal. At the same time, China demanded the withdrawal of the Teresa Magbanua from the area. Following these talks, Manila decided to recall the vessel.
Lucas Bersamin, the executive secretary and chairman of the National Maritime Council, said the decision to return the coast guard vessel was based on the success of the mission. He noted that the crew’s health and the need for repairs were also factors in the decision.
“After more than five months at sea, where she carried out her sentinel duties against overwhelming odds, BRP Teresa Magbanua is now sailing back to her homeport with her mission accomplished,” Bersamin said in a statement. The Chinese embassy in Manila has not yet commented on the Teresa Magbanua’s return.
Legal Battles and Rejection of Hague Ruling
In 2016, the Philippines won a legal case against China in the Hague. The international tribunal ruled that China’s expansive claims over the South China Sea had no legal basis. The ruling voided Beijing’s historical claims, giving the Philippines more confidence to defend its rights in the region.
Despite this ruling, China continues to reject the decision. Beijing insists on its sovereignty over most of the South China Sea, including areas that overlap with the maritime zones of other countries.
A Return to Base
The return of BRP Teresa Magbanua marks the end of a significant mission for the Philippines in the South China Sea. The situation remains delicate. With both China and the Philippines standing firm on their positions, future tensions in the region are likely.
As the Teresa Magbanua returns home for repairs and to address the crew’s medical needs, the Philippines will continue to monitor developments in the contested waters. The government remains committed to protecting its territorial integrity and responding to any potential threats in the region.