The maritime tensions between China and the Philippines have escalated over disputes at the Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea. Both countries have accused each other of ramming their vessels in the area. China’s coastguard claimed that a Philippine ship was illegally stranded and deliberately rammed a Chinese vessel, while the Philippines accused China of intentionally ramming one of Manila’s ships. Despite the collisions, no injuries were reported.
Located 140km west of Palawan, Philippines, the Sabina Shoal lies within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone and is a crucial area for resupply missions to the Second Thomas Shoal garrison. The recent clashes follow previous incidents, including a clash in June where a Filipino sailor lost a thumb in a confrontation with the Chinese coastguard.
China’s claims to almost the entire South China Sea are contested by neighboring countries, including the Philippines, as the area is rich in oil, gas, and fish stocks. The Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in 2016 that China’s claims had no legal basis, a decision that Beijing rejected. The maritime tensions highlight the importance of the South China Sea, through which $3 trillion worth of trade passes annually.
China has deployed multiple vessels to protect its claims in the South China Sea, and both countries have vowed to safeguard their territorial sovereignty and maritime rights in the disputed area. The clashes at the Sabina Shoal underscore the ongoing maritime confrontations between Manila and Beijing, which continue to be a flashpoint in the region.
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