The Philippines announced yesterday that it will strengthen its presence at shoals and islets in the South China Sea to prevent China from conducting land reclamation activities on disputed features.
This statement follows the deployment of a ship by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to Sabina Shoal, an unoccupied area where China is suspected of engaging in illegal activities to create an artificial island. PCG spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela reported signs of small-scale reclamation at Sabina Shoal, with piles of dead coral dumped on the sandbars, which Manila refers to as Escoda Shoal. Tarriela stated that it is highly likely that the maritime features have been altered due to these activities.
PCG is committed to maintaining a presence in the area to prevent China from successfully reclaiming land at Sabina Shoal, similar to its actions in the mid-2010s in the Spratly Islands. Sabina Shoal’s proximity to Palawan and Second Thomas Shoal, a significant flashpoint in China-Philippines tensions, makes it a strategic location for Manila to protect.
Recent stand-offs between CCG and Philippine forces at Second Thomas Shoal have escalated tensions, leading to diplomatic disputes between the two countries. Despite China’s denial of reclamation activities at Sabina Shoal, the Philippines remains vigilant in protecting its occupied features in the Spratly Islands and locations within its EEZ.
The Philippines also announced an official investigation into allegations of Chinese embassy staff engaging in a disinformation campaign regarding South China Sea disputes. This investigation stems from a recording released by the embassy suggesting informal agreements with Philippine officials, prompting calls for expelling embassy staff for possible violations of Philippine law.