In the latest escalation of the long-standing maritime disputes in the South China Sea, Chinese and Philippine coast guardvessels engaged in a confrontation near the Sabina Shoal, an area known for its strategic importance and overlapping territorial claims.
What happened?
In the early hours of August 19, 2024, two Philippine Coast Guard vessels reportedly entered waters adjacent to Sabina Shoal.
According to the Chinese Coast Guard, one of the Philippine vessels ignored repeated warnings, leading to a collision with a Chinese ship.
Chinese officials described this incident as “unprofessional and dangerous,” highlighting the aggressive maneuvering that led to the clash.
Philippines claims rights
From the Philippine side, the narrative suggests an attempt to assert their rights in what they consider to be their exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
The deployment of their coast guard vessels was part of ongoing efforts to monitor and assert presence in disputed areas, especially following previous incidents in which China has been accused of aggressive actions, including the use of water cannons and physical threats against Filipino personnel.
The Chinese Coast Guard’s actions, including deploying what has been dubbed a ‘monster ship’ near these waters, are seen as part of a broader strategy of intimidation and control over disputed areas.
China has long maintained that it has historical rights to most of the entire South China Sea, a claim rejected by international arbitration, notably the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling in favor of the Philippines.