China has lodged a protest through diplomatic channels regarding the presence of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua at Sabina Shoal, which is part of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
In a statement, the Chinese Foreign Ministry claimed that the entry of the PCG ship into the lagoon of Sabina Shoal was unauthorized.
They further stated that the extended stay of the PCG vessel in the area is a serious violation of China’s sovereignty and breaches the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the disputed waters.
They also alleged that it poses a threat to peace and security in the region.
China has urged the Philippines to cease what it calls “infringement activities” and to withdraw the BRP Teresa Magbanua from the shoal.
About Sabina Shoal
Sabina Shoal is located within the Philippines’ EEZ, granting the country the right to navigate, explore, and manage resources in the area, in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Despite this, Sabina Shoal has been a point of contention between the Philippines and China, with both countries asserting their claims over the territory.
The shoal is strategically significant due to its location in the disputed South China Sea, a region rich in natural resources and vital for international maritime trade.