Why is the China Coast Guard’s biggest ship still in Escoda Shoal? – Institute for Maritime and Ocean Affairs

SUMMARY

For over two months now, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)’s BRP Teresa Magbanua has been keeping watch over Escoda (Sabina) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea, because of concerns that China is trying to build yet another “artificial island.”

Escoda Shoal is very close – just some 75 nautical miles away – to the province of Palawan.

It’s also a frequent meeting point for Philippine vessels en route to nearby Ayungin Shoal, where the rusting BRP Sierra Madre serves as a Philippine military outpost.

The Magbanua, one of the two largest in the PCG’s roster, has seen leadership change while at sea. It’s also been resupplied by smaller PCG vessels, so that it’s able to stay out at sea longer.

But in the last two weeks, it’s been joined by an unwelcome intruder: China Coast Guard …

Source:https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/explainers/why-china-coast-guard-biggest-ship-still-escoda-shoal-july-2024/