The Philippine Coast Guard announced on Monday that it will maintain a continuous presence of vessels in the disputed Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea, following the return of a Philippine ship after a five-month mission in the area. “We will ensure our presence in these waters,” stated PCG Spokesperson Jay Tarriela during a press briefing.

The vessel, Teresa Magbanua, was sent to Sabina Shoal in April to observe what Manila believes to be China’s minor land reclamation efforts. It returned to port on Sunday. Tarriela clarified that the ship’s return was not in response to China’s request for its withdrawal, but rather for necessary repairs and to address the crew’s medical needs.

Sabina Shoal, known as Xianbin Reef by China and Escoda Shoal by the Philippines, is located west of Palawan province, within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. “No matter the size or number of vessels, the primary goal and commitment of the PCG commandant is to ensure that there is always a coast guard presence in the shoal,” Tarriela emphasized.

On Sunday, China’s coast guard announced its commitment to uphold law enforcement operations in the waters under Beijing’s jurisdiction, emphasizing the protection of its territorial sovereignty as well as its maritime rights and interests.

China asserts its sovereignty over a significant portion of the South China Sea, which overlaps with the maritime zones of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. The 2016 ruling by the Hague arbitration tribunal, which invalidated China’s extensive historical claims, is a decision that Beijing does not acknowledge.