Sabina Shoal: Manila Withdraws Coast Guard Flagship

Why the withdrawal?

On March 2, 2023, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) withdrew its flagship vessel, BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701), from the disputed Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea.

The move came after repeated protests from China, which claims the shoal as its territory.

The PCG said in a statement that the withdrawal was "in line with the government's policy of avoiding provocative actions that could escalate tensions in the region".

Background of the dispute

The Sabina Shoal is a submerged reef located about 320 kilometers west of Palawan, Philippines. It is one of the many features in the South China Sea that are claimed by both China and the Philippines.

China claims the entire South China Sea as its territory, based on a "nine-dash line" that it first published in 1947.

The Philippines, on the other hand, claims parts of the South China Sea, including the Sabina Shoal, as part of its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Tensions in the region

The dispute over the South China Sea has been a source of tension between China and the Philippines for many years.

In recent years, China has become more assertive in its claims, and has been building artificial islands and military installations in the disputed waters.

The withdrawal of the BRP Teresa Magbanua from the Sabina Shoal is seen as a sign that the Philippines is trying to avoid further escalation of tensions with China.

Reactions to the withdrawal

The withdrawal of the BRP Teresa Magbanua has been met with mixed reactions.

Some analysts have praised the move, saying that it will help to reduce tensions in the region.

Others have criticized the withdrawal, saying that it sends a message of weakness to China.

Conclusion

The withdrawal of the BRP Teresa Magbanua from the Sabina Shoal is a significant development in the ongoing dispute over the South China Sea.

It remains to be seen how China will react to the move, and whether it will lead to a de-escalation of tensions in the region.

UPDATED: Manila Withdraws Coast Guard Flagship from Sabina Shoal, AIS Shows

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has withdrawn its flagship vessel, BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701), from the disputed Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea, according to data from the ship-tracking website, Marine Traffic.

The data shows that the BRP Teresa Magbanua left the shoal at around 7:30 a.m. local time on March 2, 2023 and is now heading toward Palawan.

The PCG has not yet issued a statement on the withdrawal of the BRP Teresa Magbanua from the Sabina Shoal.