13-5-2024 (MANILA) The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) remains steadfast in its commitment to maintain a vigilant presence in the disputed waters of the South China Sea, particularly at Sabina Shoal, to thwart any potential reclamation efforts by China, as affirmed by its spokesperson on May 13.
In a recent announcement on May 11, the PCG disclosed its deployment of vessels to Sabina Shoal, where it raised concerns over China’s alleged construction of an artificial island. The PCG further indicated that two additional vessels are on rotational deployment in the vicinity.
Since the commencement of ship deployment in mid-April, the PCG reported the discovery of coral reefs, both dead and crushed, strewn across the sandbars of Sabina Shoal, resulting in alterations to their natural formations.
During a press conference on May 13, PCG spokesperson Jay Tarriela underscored the imperative of preventing China from executing any reclamation activities at Sabina Shoal, emphasising the coast guard’s unwavering dedication to maintaining a continuous presence in the area, referred to as Escoda by Manila.
Sabina Shoal, situated within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, serves as a vital nexus for vessels engaged in resupply missions to Filipino troops stationed on a grounded warship at Second Thomas Shoal, frequently becoming a focal point for maritime tensions between Manila and Beijing.
China’s extensive land reclamation efforts in various South China Sea islands, culminating in the construction of military installations, have elicited apprehension from Washington and neighbouring nations.
Tarriela expressed confidence in the PCG’s efficacy in deterring China’s potential reclamation endeavours, citing the absence of documented activity from Chinese vessels since the deployment of the PCG’s multi-role response vessel in mid-April.
“China does not want to get caught,” Tarriela asserted.
At the time of reporting, the Chinese Embassy in Manila has not issued an immediate response to Tarriela’s assertions.
In a statement released on May 12, the Embassy reiterated China’s sovereignty over the South China Sea Islands and adjacent waters, rejecting competing claims from the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam.
The 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration, which dismissed Beijing’s claims as lacking legal basis under international law, continues to be contested by China.
