The Philippines has deployed its coast guard flagship, the BRP Teresa Magbanua, to the South China Sea to assert its sovereign rights in disputed waters claimed by China. This action underscores the Philippines’ commitment to defending its jurisdiction within its exclusive economic zone, which extends up to 230 miles from its coastline, as recognized by international treaties.
China’s presence in the region is significant, with its coast guard and military conducting law-enforcement and combat-readiness patrols near Scarborough Shoal, also known as Bajo de Masinloc in the Philippines and Huangyan Dao in China. The Philippine coast guard emphasized its “unwavering commitment” to protecting national interests as tensions between the two nations escalate.
Background of the Dispute
Located approximately 120 miles west of the Philippine island of Luzon, Scarborough Shoal has long been a flashpoint between Manila and Beijing. Despite a ruling from the Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2016 that dismissed China’s expansive claims within the “nine-dash line,” China has maintained effective control over the atoll since a standoff in 2012. The ruling noted that China’s claims had no legal basis, yet Chinese military and coast guard vessels continue to operate in the area, often leading to confrontations with Philippine forces.
On October 20, 2023, Jay Tarriela, spokesperson for the Philippine coast guard, reported that the BRP Teresa Magbanua monitored a Chinese coast guard vessel, identified as CG 4305, approximately 49 miles southeast of Scarborough Shoal. Tarriela indicated that the Philippine vessel challenged the Chinese presence by radio, labeling it illegal under international law and Philippine regulations.
Responses and Continuing Tensions
In a statement on social media, Tarriela highlighted the importance of the BRP Teresa Magbanua’s presence, reassuring Filipino fishermen of government support while allowing them to operate without fear of intimidation. “The visible and resolute presence of BRP Teresa Magbanua reassures Filipino fishermen of the government’s steadfast support,” he stated.
The following day, both the Chinese military and coast guard conducted separate patrols in the vicinity of Scarborough Shoal, aiming to reinforce their control over the region. In footage shared by the Global Times, an officer from the Chinese coast guard demanded that the Philippine vessel leave the area, asserting China’s “indisputable” territorial claims.
Tarriela criticized China’s patrols as heavily publicized propaganda, emphasizing that Chinese vessels had repeatedly ignored lawful radio challenges from the Philippine coast guard and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. “The refusal to answer lawful radio challenges underscores that China’s actions in Bajo de Masinloc are neither routine nor legitimate,” he said.
The People’s Liberation Army Southern Theater Command echoed similar sentiments, stating that their ongoing patrols are part of efforts to safeguard national sovereignty and maintain peace in the South China Sea.
As tensions remain high, both the Philippines and China are likely to continue asserting their sovereignty claims in the region. The extent of support the United States will provide to its ally amidst China’s increasing activities is yet to be clarified, leaving observers to monitor developments closely.
