China has formally protested the presence of the Philippine Coast Guard ship, BRP Teresa Magbanua, at Escoda Shoal, a location within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The Chinese Foreign Ministry expressed concerns that the Philippine vessel’s presence at Xianbin Jiao, part of China’s Nansha Qundao, infringes on China’s sovereignty and violates the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC).
China has urged the Philippines to cease its activities at Escoda Shoal and withdraw the vessel. The Global Times reported that China has lodged this protest through diplomatic channels, warning of “resolute measures” to protect its territorial and maritime rights.
The BRP Teresa Magbanua has been stationed at Escoda Shoal since April, with its presence being the longest deployment by the Philippine Coast Guard in the West Philippine Sea. The Philippine government deployed the vessel amid concerns over China’s reported reclamation activities in the area.
Escoda Shoal, also known as Sabina Shoal, is a coral reef formation located 75 nautical miles off Palawan, well within the Philippines’ 200-nautical-mile EEZ.