China’s opportunity? Philippines’ Sabina Shoal withdrawal sparks backlash

The Philippines’ recent withdrawal of a coastguard vessel from a disputed South China Sea shoal opens the door for China to further assert its dominance and potentially accelerate its controversial reclamation operations, analysts say – warning that the ship needs to be quickly replaced.

Manila recalled the BRP Teresa Magbanua from Sabina Shoal over the weekend after a five-month deployment, citing bad weather, depleted supplies and the need to evacuate personnel requiring medical care.

Analysts say the sudden withdrawal could allow for the rotation and resupply of troops stationed on the BRP Sierra Madre, a WWII-era ship deliberately grounded by the Philippines at another disputed South China Sea feature: Second Thomas Shoal.