China and the Philippines are in the midst of a renewed clash over the South China Sea, with both nations accusing each other of aggressive behaviour.
On August 30, 2024, a collision near the Sabina Shoal saw the Philippines claim that a Chinese vessel “directly and intentionally rammed” its ship, while Beijing countered by accusing the Philippines of “deliberately” crashing into a Chinese vessel.
This incident marks the latest chapter in the ongoing and intensifying dispute over maritime territories.
Just two weeks prior, there had been at least three other reported confrontations between ships from the two nations in the same vicinity.
The Sabina Shoal, known as Xianbin Jiao in China and Escoda Shoal in the Philippines, lies approximately 75 nautical miles from the Philippines’ western shore and about 630 nautical miles from China.
The South China Sea, a crucial shipping corridor through which $3 trillion worth of trade flows annually, is claimed almost entirely by China.
Other claimants include the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam.
Following the recent incident, China’s coast guard demanded that the Philippines withdraw from the contested waters and vowed to “resolutely thwart all acts of provocation, nuisance and infringement.”
In response, the Philippines Coast Guard declared it would not remove its vessel, the Teresa Magbanua, despite facing “harassment, bullying activities, and escalatory actions” from the Chinese coast guard.
There were no casualties reported, but the Teresa Magbanua, a 97-meter, 318-feet, vessel, sustained damage from being hit “several times” by the Chinese ship, according to Philippines Coast Guard Commodore Jay Tarriela.
U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines, MaryKay L Carlson, condemned what she termed China’s “dangerous actions” and violations of international law.
In a statement on X, she expressed support for the Philippines, stating, “The US condemns the multiple dangerous violations of international law by the [People’s Republic of China], including today’s intentional ramming of the BRP Teresa Magbanua while it was conducting lawful operations within the [Philippines] EEZ.” She further emphasized, “We stand with the Philippines in upholding international law.”
China has consistently attributed the escalating tensions to the Philippines and its ally, the U.S.
A recent statement from China’s defense ministry suggested that Washington is “emboldening” Manila to engage in “reckless provocations.”
Observers are concerned that these disputes could escalate into a larger confrontation. Despite previous arbitration attempts by the Philippines at the United Nations—which concluded with a ruling that China’s claims within its “nine-dash line” are unlawful—Beijing has refused to acknowledge the ruling.
In recent efforts to mitigate the immediate tensions, both countries have sought to de-escalate their maritime encounters.
In July, they reached an agreement allowing the Philippines to resupply its outpost at the Second Thomas Shoal with essential food, supplies, and personnel. This operation has been carried out without further reported incidents.
