Link to article: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/philippines-vessel-contested-south-china-sea-shoal-returns-port-2024-09-15/
Following a five-month deployment in the Sabina Shoal, the Philippines have sent a new vessel to replace their Coast Guard vessel, Teresa. The Philippines have said that they are doing this in order to maintain their presence within the South China Sea. China is irritated by the Philippines’ actions, and they view the new vessel’s presence as an “infringement on Chinese sovereignty.” The Sabina Shoal is located 150 km west of the Philippine province of Palawan, the country’s exclusive economic zone. Beijing and Manila have been trading accusations of intentionally ramming each other’s vessels. This is partly due to China’s claim over the majority of the South China Sea which overlaps with the maritime zones of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. In 2016, the Hague arbitration tribunal voided China’s expansive and historical claims, however Beijing rejected this decision. The Philippines have made it clear that they will be reestablishing their Coast Guard’s presence within the Sabina Shoal once the crew and the Teresa are ready to return. China has since stated that their Coast Guard will continue to carry out law enforcement activities in the water under Beijing’s jurisdiction.
China’s aggressive behaviors within the South China Sea could potentially lead to conflict with other East Asian countries as well as lead to economic and military disputes. China has the second largest economy and one of the fastest growing militaries in the World. Because of this, as well as China being an authoritarian state, China tends to be much more aggressive in foreign affairs. Because China claims sovereignty over the South China Sea, regardless of what other nations believe, China will defend what they believe is their territory. The Philippines actions will most likely increase China’s aggression within the Sabina Shoal and will cause China to increase military presence within the waters under Beijing’s jurisdiction. This will most likely limit economic competition and trade within the South China Sea which will help boost China’s economy.
China’s aggressive actions could potentially lead to Eastern Asian economic or military alliances forming in order to compete with China’s dominance in Eastern waters. This could potentially lead to the forming of International Governmental Organizations within East Asia. This would be potentially beneficial and strategic in limiting China’s economic and military dominance, which could potentially benefit other Eastern Asian nations’ economies. Having a united East Asia could potentially lead to an alternative more diplomatic power for Western Countries to trade and negotiate with as well as prevent China from attacking Philippine vessels.