US Warship Defies China with Sabina Shoal Transit as Tensions Boil Over
USS Charleston’s passage near contested reef triggers diplomatic storm and military posturing from Beijing
China’s military accused the Independence-class littoral combat ship of “illegally intruding” into waters adjacent to the shoal, which lies within the Philippine exclusive economic zone (EEZ) but is also claimed by Beijing under its sweeping “nine-dash line” doctrine.
The PLA Southern Theater Command confirmed it had deployed forces to monitor the USS Charleston during its transit, framing the move as a direct challenge to China’s sovereignty. Spokesman Yin Gang issued a statement condemning the passage, while Zhang Junshe, a researcher at the PLA PLA Naval Military Academic Research Institute Institute, told Global Times that the US action was “calculated to show support for the Philippines” and undermine Beijing’s claims. Zhang emphasised the PLA’s capability to detect and track what it deems “unauthorised intrusions” in real time.
Beijing’s Military Response and Diplomatic Fallout
The incident follows a diplomatic row sparked by Chinese Ambassador to Manila Jing Quan, who told Philippine media last week that Beijing could “easily win” if it resorted to force over its territorial claims. “We should feel fortunate enough that you have a neighbour like China in this region,” Jing said.
“If we want to use force, we may easily win. But no, we’ll not use force. We love peace.” The remarks provoked outrage in Manila, with at least 10 Philippine lawmakers demanding Jing be declared persona non grata. Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro summoned the ambassador on Monday to formally protest, calling his comments “provocative and unacceptable.”
Sabina Shoal, located 80 nautical miles from the Philippine province of Palawan and 700 nautical miles from mainland China, has become a recurring site of confrontation. In 2024, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) deployed the cutter BRP Teresa Magbanua to the reef to deter suspected Chinese land reclamation activities.
Beijing responded by dispatching multiple vessels, including CCG 5901, the world’s largest coast guard cutter at 12,000 tonnes. The standoff escalated into a blockade, cutting off resupply efforts and forcing the Philippine crew to endure weeks of malnutrition and dehydration before withdrawing.
Sabina Shoal: A Flashpoint in the South China Sea
China’s refusal to recognise the 2016 international tribunal ruling, which dismissed its claims within the Philippine EEZ, has fuelled persistent tensions. Beijing continues to describe its activities in the Spratly Islands as “rights protection,” despite the legal rebuke.
“It’s an intimidation on the part of the China Coast Guard.”
Jay Tariella·Philippine Coast Guard spokesman
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