Philippines withdraws ships from an entity in the South China Sea

Since April, the Philippine coast guard ship BRP Teresa Magbanua (9701) has been deployed to monitor what Manila suspects are small-scale Chinese reclamation activities in the South China Sea, according to Reuters.

This photo taken by the Philippine Coast Guard on September 15 shows the BRP Teresa Magbanua as it docks in Puerto Princesa, Palawan (Philippines).

"After more than five months at sea on guard duty, the BRP Teresa Magbanua is returning to its home port with its mission accomplished," said Philippine National Maritime Council Chairman Lucas Bersamin.

Mr. Bersamin stressed that the return of the BRP Teresa Magbauna was necessary to attend to the medical needs of the crew and carry out repairs.

The Chinese Coast Guard said today that Philippine ship 9701 withdrew from the said entity on September 14, after being there for nearly 5 months, according to Xinhua.

Xinhua quoted a spokesman for the China Coast Guard as saying that China had taken measures against the 9701 in accordance with the law, while repeated attempts by the Philippines to replenish the ship had failed.

The Philippines' new move follows high-level talks between Manila and Beijing in China last week, after both sides accused each other of intentionally ramming each other's vessels in a series of clashes near the said feature in the South China Sea in August, according to Reuters.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/philippines-rut-tau-khoi-mot-thuc-the-o-bien-dong-185240915152217825.htm