The Bottom Line Upfront

The Philippine Coast Guard is taking action to prevent China from carrying out reclamation activities at the Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea. The Coast Guard has deployed a ship to the area and discovered evidence of dumped coral, which has altered the sandbars. Their presence aims to deter China from further reclamation efforts. The Philippines has elevated its precautionary stances against China in recent weeks, accusing the PRC of building up an artificial island in the shared waters region, a claim that China subsequently denies.

The Breakdown

  • The dispute over territorial claims in the South China Sea has been ongoing, with China conducting extensive land reclamation activities. The Philippine Coast Guard's efforts to block China's reclamation at Sabina Shoal are a significant move in asserting their claims and protecting their exclusive economic zone.
  • The Philippine Coast Guard has deployed a ship to Sabina Shoal to prevent China from carrying out reclamation activities.
  • Piles of dead and crushed coral have been discovered on the sandbars, indicating alteration of the area's size and elevation.
  • The Philippine Coast Guard is maintaining a presence at Sabina Shoal to deter China from carrying out reclamation activities in the disputed area of the South China Sea.
  • The Philippine Coast Guard's actions at Sabina Shoal demonstrate their commitment to protecting their territorial claims and maintaining a presence in the disputed South China Sea. This move aims to prevent further Chinese reclamation activities and maintain stability in the region.