Philippines Stands Firm On Sabina Shoal Amid Tense Talks With China

The Philippines reaffirmed its stance on the contested Sabina Shoal despite ongoing efforts to ease tensions during “frank and candid” discussions with China on managing disputes in the South China Sea.

The Southeast Asian nation has maintained a steady presence at the shoal, monitoring suspected small-scale reclamation activities by China, sparking Beijing’s anger. The shoal has become a flashpoint in the long-standing maritime dispute between the two countries.

In Wednesday’s meeting in Beijing, China reiterated its sovereignty claims and demanded the removal of a Philippine coast guard vessel stationed at the shoal since April. Philippine Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Theresa Lazaro emphasized her country’s consistent position and explored ways to reduce tensions. She posted on X, formerly Twitter, a picture shaking hands with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong.

Both nations agreed to continue discussions on cooperative measures, including a hotline mechanism, coast guard cooperation, and marine scientific collaboration, according to the Philippines’ foreign ministry.

Sabina Shoal, referred to by China as Xianbin Reef and by Manila as Escoda Shoal, lies 150 kilometers west of Palawan, within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Recent confrontations between the two nations have included accusations of vessel collisions, even as they reached an agreement on resupply missions to another contested area, the Second Thomas Shoal.

While China continues to assert its sovereignty over most of the South China Sea, the 2016 Hague arbitration ruling voided Beijing’s expansive claims, a decision it refuses to accept. Meanwhile, the Philippine navy has reported the presence of over 200 Chinese vessels, including maritime militia boats, within its EEZ, with several observed near Sabina Shoal.