Philippines stands firm on Sabina Shoal but looks to ease tension with China

In this image taken from handout video provided by the Philippine coast guard, a Chinese coast guard ship with bow number 5205, right, collides with Philippine coast guard vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua near the Sabina Shoal at the disputed South China Sea on Aug. 31, 2024.

The Philippines will stick to its position on Sabina Shoal, it said on Thursday, even while exploring ways to ease tension in the area during "frank and candid" talks with China on managing disputes in the key waterway of the South China Sea.