Philippine Navy Ships Challenge China’s “Island Building” In South China Sea

By Olawale Abaire, Warrior Editorial Fellow

In a recent development, the Philippines has dispatched naval vessels to a contested region in the South China Sea. This move comes in response to allegations that the People’s Republic of China (PRC) is constructing an ‘artificial island’ in the midst of an ongoing territorial dispute between the two nations, as per an official statement from the office of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has assigned its BRP Teresa Magbanua to keep a close watch on China’s alleged unlawful activities, which include the creation of an ‘artificial island’ on Escoda Shoal in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) through the destruction of coral reefs.

Jay Tarriela, the official representative for the PCG, has reported that China has mobilized vessels and divers to conduct reclamation activities on the Sabina Shoal, also known as the Escoda Shoal by Manila. In retaliation, the PCG has deployed patrol vessels and inflatable boats to oversee the operations and discourage China’s activities near the Philippine coastline.

The Escoda Shoal, an atoll in the disputed Spratly Islands archipelago in the South China Sea, is claimed by the Philippines to be under the jurisdiction of the province of Palawan. However, China also asserts its sovereignty over the same territory.

Tarriela expressed concern over China’s deployment of the Chinese Maritime Militia, Chinese Coast Guard, PLA Navy, and Chinese research vessels in close proximity to the Palawan coastline. He stated on Twitter that this not only threatens Philippine sovereignty but also inflicts considerable harm on the marine environment.

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