Screengrab from PCG

Escoda Shoal, West Philippine Sea – On August 31, 2024, a Philippine Coast Guard vessel, BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701), was intentionally rammed three times by a Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) ship, marking a significant escalation in tensions between the Philippines and China in the West Philippine Sea. The incident occurred at approximately 12:07 PM, as the Philippine vessel conducted routine patrols within the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), just 75 nautical miles from the Philippine mainland.

According to a statement released by the National Maritime Council, the CCG vessel 5205 engaged in aggressive maneuvers, deliberately ramming the BRP Teresa Magbanua multiple times, resulting in significant damage to the Philippine vessel and endangering the lives of its crew. The Philippine government has strongly condemned the unprovoked aggression, emphasizing that the presence of BRP Teresa Magbanua in Escoda Shoal was both legal and in full compliance with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award.

Call for Restraint and International Support

In response to the incident, the National Maritime Council has called on the Chinese Coast Guard to exercise restraint and prioritize the safety of vessels operating in the region. The council reiterated that the Philippines will continue its sovereign operations within its maritime zones and will not be intimidated by acts of harassment or aggressive behavior.

"The Philippines will not succumb to acts of aggression," the statement read. "We will fully utilize diplomatic channels and mechanisms under the rules-based international order to seek a peaceful resolution to this dispute."

The Philippine government also called on the international community to support its efforts to uphold international law in the West Philippine Sea and to condemn any actions that threaten regional stability.

Ongoing Tensions in the West Philippine Sea

The incident at Escoda Shoal is the latest in a series of confrontations between the Philippines and China in the West Philippine Sea, where both countries have competing territorial claims. Despite the 2016 Arbitral Award that invalidated China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea, China has continued to assert its presence in the region, often through aggressive actions against vessels from other claimant countries.

The Philippines has repeatedly asserted its rights over its EEZ, conducting regular patrols and asserting its sovereignty in the face of Chinese incursions. The government has vowed to continue these patrols, with the BRP Teresa Magbanua remaining in the West Philippine Sea despite the recent incident.

National and International Reactions

The Escoda Shoal incident has sparked outrage in the Philippines, with many calling for stronger actions against China’s repeated provocations. National leaders have called for a unified response to protect the country’s sovereignty and maritime rights.

Internationally, the incident is likely to draw significant attention, as it highlights the ongoing tensions in the South China Sea and the broader implications for regional security. The Philippines has urged its allies and partners to support its efforts to uphold international law and maintain peace in the region.