The USS Charleston (Independence-class) passed near Sabina Reef on October 20, 2026, as tensions between the Philippines and China have escalated. This reef is a disputed area located at the borders of the Philippines' exclusive economic zone and China's claimed "nine-dash line." This move was seen by the Chinese military as a challenge to Beijing's sovereignty, leading to a protest statement being issued.
China's Reaction to the American Warship's Passage
Yin Gang, spokesperson for the Southern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army of China, stated in a statement that the USS Charleston illegally entered the waters adjacent to Sabina, and the Chinese military has dispatched units to track and monitor this American vessel.
Zhang Junsheng, a researcher at the Chinese Navy Research Institute and a frequent analyst for Chinese state media, told a global news agency that the passage of the Charleston was designed to demonstrate support for the Philippines and challenge "China's sovereignty in the South China Sea." He emphasized that the Chinese military has a rapid capability to identify and track what it considers "unauthorized intrusions."
History of Tensions and Current Situation
This confrontation comes amid heightened diplomatic tensions following controversial remarks made by the Chinese ambassador in Manila last week. In an interview conducted on October 15, Ambassador Jing Quan told Philippine media that China could "easily win" if it chose to use force to pursue its claims.
He added, "We should be lucky to have a neighbor like China in this region. If we wanted to use force, we would easily win. But no, we will not use force. We love peace." These remarks have led at least 10 Philippine lawmakers to call for declaring Ambassador Jing persona non grata and for his return to China.
Philippine Foreign Minister Teresa Lazaro summoned him on Monday to register the government's protests. The Department of Foreign Affairs stated, "Minister Lazaro told the ambassador that this statement is provocative and unacceptable, and does not contribute to mutual understanding."
China's extensive maritime claims within the Philippines' EEZ were rejected by an international court in 2016, but Beijing has refused to accept this ruling and continues actions it describes as "protecting rights" in its Spratly Islands.
Sabina Reef is approximately 700 nautical miles from mainland China and 80 nautical miles from the Philippine province of Palawan, becoming a flashpoint for confrontations between Chinese and Philippine forces. In 2024, the Philippine Coast Guard vessel, BRP Teresa Magbanua, anchored at this reef to prevent alleged Chinese land reclamation activities. In response, Chinese forces dispatched several vessels, including CCG 5901, the largest coast guard ship in the world with a displacement of 12,000 tons. Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Jay Trilla stated at the time, "This is a threat from the Chinese Coast Guard."
Chinese forces established a blockade to prevent the resupply of Magbanua, causing the crew of the vessel to live on the food they had on board for weeks. Severe health issues due to malnutrition and dehydration ultimately forced Magbanua to return to port.
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