The Philippine Coast Guard will maintain its presence in the disputed waters of the South China Sea, despite China’s demands and provocations.

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Spokesperson Jay Tarriela stated this.

The department explained that despite the withdrawal of the PCG Teresa Magbanua patrol vessel from the disputed Sabina Shoal, which had been damaged by a Chinese ship, the Philippines would continue to maintain its presence in the disputed waters despite China’s demands.

Tarriela said the ship’s return had not been related to China’s demand for Manila to withdraw its vessel, instead it had been so it could’ve been repaired and to attend to the crew’s medical needs.

Sabina Shoal, which China refers to as Xianbin Reef and the Philippines as the Escoda Shoal, lies west of the Philippine province of Palawan, within the country’s exclusive economic zone. However, China also claims them, making claims to control more than 80% of the entire South China Sea.

In 2016, the Hague Arbitration Court rejected China’s claims to these territories. Beijing has not recognized this decision, continuing to pursue aggressive policies and activities of its coast guard in these waters.

Naval “battles” in the South China Sea

Recently, the situation in the region has deteriorated significantly due to a series of incidents between the coast guard forces of both countries, accompanied by provocations and aggression.

Only last month, Chinese ships twice rammed Philippine Coast Guard vessels in disputed waters near Sabina Shoal, causing serious damage to the Philippine sides. In particular, as a result of the August 19 incident, the BRP Bagacay patrol ship sustained holes in its side above the waterline.

The latest such incident took place on August 31, when a Chinese Coast Guard ship with the number 5205 collided with the BRP Teresa Magbanua near Sabina Shoal.

Diplomats from both countries exchanged accusations of provocation and dangerous behavior at sea after each incident.

Previously, the Chinese vessel 5205 had already been involved in other provocations, including the use of laser emitters to blind crews of Philippine ships.

In the same year, the ship repeatedly activated the ship’s artillery system and pointed it at Philippine ships to put pressure on their crew.