The Philippine Coast Guard ship MRRV-4410 suddenly turns right and rams into the China Coast Guard (CCG) Vessel 21551 at 3:25 am, August 19, 2024. The Philippine Coast Guard ships MRRV-4410 and MMRV-4411 illegally intruded waters adjacent to Xianbin Jiao on August 19, 2024, and the CCG conducted restrictive measures in accordance to the law. Photo: Screenshot from the Weibo account of the CCG

A China Coast Guard (CCG) spokesperson confirmed on Sunday that the Philippine Coast Guard ship MRRV-9701, which had been illegally anchored in the lagoon of Xianbin Jiao (also known as Xianbin Reef) in the South China Sea since April 17, left around 2pm on Saturday. 

The illegal anchoring of the Philippine ship seriously infringed on China's territorial sovereignty, violated the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, and significantly undermined regional peace and stability. During this period, China had taken control measures against the ship in accordance with the law, while multiple attempts by the Philippine side to forcibly resupply the ship had failed, CCG spokesperson Liu Dejun said. 

China's firm determination and high level of restraint in face of provocations have prevented the Philippines from achieving any of its expected outcomes, said anlysts.

The retreat of the Philippine vessel was partly because China's on-site control measures effectively blocked resupply operations via ships and the Philippine side could not depend solely on airdropping, Ding Duo, deputy director of the Institute of Maritime Law and Policy at the National Institute for South China Sea Studies, told the Global Times on Sunday. 

When Manila cannot take advantages at sea, China and the Philippines communicated through diplomatic channels, which contributed to the progress, Ding noted. He added that China's timely release of information on the situation helped counter the Philippines' attempts to spread disinformation and mislead the public.

China and the Philippines on September 11 had a "candid and in-depth exchange" of views on the maritime issues, in particular the issue of Xianbin Jiao during a meeting between heads of China-Philippines Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea. 

Ding also highlighted the backdrop of stabilizing China-US relations following the meeting between top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi and US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on August 27-28, which may have indirectly contributed to the situation.

As 9701 needs time to return to port for resupply and its crew need to rest, if the Philippines does not send another vessel to repeat the illegal anchoring tactic, there might be temporary peace in waters near Xianbin Jiao, Ding said.

However, Ding warned of the Philippines' past history of swaying back and forth both in handling the South China Sea issue and its foreign policy. 

If the Philippines comes and provokes again, China will take firm measures accordingly. China's stance has been consistent while its deterrence capabilities continue to improve, Ding noted.  

There is room for political and diplomatic engagement, and China will take comprehensive measures to urge the Philippines to stay on the right track to solve disputes, the expert said. 

CCG Spokesperson Liu said on Sunday that "We warn the Philippines to stop inciting and sensationalizing the issue and engaging in risky infringements. The Philippines should meet China halfway work with China to uphold the seriousness and effectiveness of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea,." 

China has indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands, including Xianbin Jiao and its adjacent waters, Liu stated. He added that the CCG will continue to conduct law enforcement activities to protect China's rights and interests in waters under China's jurisdiction in accordance with law, firmly safeguarding national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.

China will not allow the scenario in Ren'ai Jiao to repeat in Xianbin Jiao and has the capability to ensure it does not happen in the future, Chen Xidi, a research fellow at the China Institute for Marine Affairs of the Ministry of Natural Resources, told the Global Times.

The Philippines should not harbor any illusions about this, nor should it make futile attempts to return or test China's bottom line in other ways. The withdrawal of ship and personnel from Xianbin Jiao should mark the beginning of the Philippines returning to the right path on the South China Sea issue, rather than being a short "interlude," Chen said.

This is not only a shared vision between China and other countries that genuinely hope to transform the South China Sea into a region of peace and cooperation, but also the right choice that aligns with the Philippines' own interests, Chen noted.