Philippines, China meet over Sabina Shoal dispute

China's vice foreign minister and his Philippine counterpart met in Beijing on Wednesday to discuss sea-related issues, particularly the Sabina Shoal dispute.

During their exchange, China reiterated its demand for the immediate withdrawal of the Philippine vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua from Escoda Shoal, while the Philippines maintained that Sabina Shoal falls within its 12-nautical-mile territorial waters and has stationed a vessel there since April due to concerns about Chinese reclamation activities.

Both nations agreed to continue their dialogue through diplomatic channels despite tensions arising from overlapping claims in the South China Sea, including recent incidents such as clashes between maritime forces in August.

Philippine Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Theresa Lazaro reaffirmed the Philippines' position and noted that the Philippine Coast Guard deployed BRP Teresa Magbanua to Sabina on April 15 after finding crushed corals and debris indicating potential construction activity by China.

China increased its presence near Escoda Shoal, leading to confrontations including an unprovoked ramming of the BRP Teresa Magbanua by a Chinese Coast Guard vessel on August 31.