Philippines Returns Coast Guard Vessel from Disputed Shoal

The Philippines has concluded the five-month deployment of its coast guard vessel, BRP Teresa Magbanua, at the contested Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea, returning to port for crew medical needs and repairs. The vessel was tasked with monitoring alleged Chinese reclamation activities in the area, which sparked tensions with Beijing, making the shoal a significant flashpoint in the ongoing maritime dispute. Following high-level discussions, where both nations affirmed their positions on the shoal, the vessel's withdrawal was agreed upon, as China demanded its departure. The area, known as Xianbin Reef in China and Escoda Shoal in the Philippines, lies within the Philippine exclusive economic zone and has seen recent clashes between the two nations. The return of the Teresa Magbanua comes amidst accusations of ramming incidents between Philippine and Chinese vessels, reflecting the ongoing geopolitical friction in the region.