Philippines Perseveres in South China Sea Amid Tensions with China

The Philippines has committed to maintaining a continuous presence in Sabina Shoal, South China Sea, despite Chinese territorial claims. A coast guard vessel, Teresa Magbanua, recently returned after a five-month deployment. The move ensures constant monitoring of the area amidst suspicions of China's land reclamation activities.

The Philippines has vowed to maintain a persistent presence in the contested Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea, according to a statement by the coast guard on Monday. This declaration comes after the coast guard vessel, Teresa Magbanua, returned to port following a five-month mission.

"We will sustain presence over these waters," announced Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Spokesperson Jay Tarriela during a press conference. The Teresa Magbanua was initially deployed to observe potential Chinese land reclamation activities but returned for repairs and medical needs of the crew, not because of China's demands, Tarriela emphasized.

Sabina Shoal, known to China as Xianbin Reef and to the Philippines as Escoda Shoal, lies within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone. Tarriela assured the public that the PCG would ensure continuous maritime presence in the shoal to counteract China's claims. Despite a 2016 Hague tribunal ruling against China's expansive claims, Beijing continues to assert its sovereignty over most of the South China Sea.

(With inputs from agencies.)