The United States has reaffirmed its support for the Philippines’ freedom of navigation in the South China Sea after a Philippine ship left Sabina Shoal, a disputed area claimed by China. Beijing responded by asserting its “indisputable sovereignty” over the region.
State Department spokesman Matthew Miller emphasized that China’s maritime claims have no legal basis. “The dangerous ways in which [China] attempts to enforce those claims put Filipino lives and livelihoods at risk,” Miller stated during a briefing.
He added, “It is up to the Philippines to decide how they operate their vessels in areas where it enjoys freedom of navigation in the high seas under international law. We continue to support our Philippine allies.”
Beijing has long claimed most of the South China Sea, despite an international tribunal ruling dismissing its assertions. In recent months, tensions have escalated, with reports of Chinese vessels ramming and blocking Philippine ships.
The incident at Sabina Shoal, referred to as Xianbin Jiao by China, followed the withdrawal of the Philippine ship BRP Teresa Magbanua. China’s coast guard reiterated its claim to the shoal, while the Philippines clarified that the vessel was merely repositioning and that the move should not be seen as a defeat.