China announced on Monday that it implemented “control measures” against two Philippine Coast Guard ships that had entered waters near the disputed Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea.
According to a statement from the China Coast Guard, the Philippine vessels “illegally barged into waters near Xianbin Jiao,” using the Chinese name for Sabina Shoal. The statement further alleged that the Philippine ships “continued to dangerously approach normally sailing Chinese coast guard ships, inciting hype.”
In response, the Chinese coast guard took what it described as “control measures” against the Philippine ships in accordance with Chinese law.
The Philippine Coast Guard, however, stated that the two vessels were on a resupply mission to deliver provisions to another Philippine ship stationed at Sabina Shoal. The mission was abandoned due to what Manila described as China’s “excessive” deployment of ships and challenging sea conditions. Commodore Jay Tarriela, a spokesperson for the Philippine Coast Guard, reported that the area was crowded with six China Coast Guard ships, three Chinese navy vessels, and 31 other boats.
“We were boxed, we were surrounded, and it was difficult for us to move forward,” Tarriela explained.
The incident is the latest in a series of confrontations in the strategic South China Sea, where Beijing claims the majority of the waters, often leading to tensions with Manila. These confrontations have raised concerns about potential armed conflict, which could involve the United States, a key ally of the Philippines.
Manila’s National Maritime Council condemned the recent actions of Chinese maritime forces, describing them as “aggressive, unprofessional, and illegal.” The council’s statement reflects growing frustration over what the Philippines sees as China’s continued efforts to assert its claims over disputed territories.