On August 26, 2024, a China Coast Guard officer observed the Philippine Coast Guard vessel MRRV-9701 as it left the lagoon of Xianbin Jiao in the South China Sea. Following its illegal presence in that area for nearly five months, the MRRV-9701 departed on September 14 and was reported to have undergone a rapid transfer of personnel upon arrival in Puerto Princesa, Palawan. Analysts have flagged the possibility that the Philippines may initiate further actions to assert claims over uninhabited islands and reefs, potentially using various pretexts to send additional vessels to Xianbin Jiao.

Yang Xiao, an expert from the China Institute of Contemporary International Relations, suggested that future missions from the Philippines may disguise their intentions by claiming to transport supplies or conduct environmental assessments. However, he warned that any provocative actions would provoke significant countermeasures from China. The China Coast Guard emphasized that securing sovereignty over the Nansha Islands, including Xianbin Jiao, is non-negotiable, reiterating their commitment to law enforcement in the area.

Moreover, tensions appear to be further fueled by discrepancies between diplomatic talks between the two nations and confrontational military actions from the Philippines, undermining its credibility in the international arena. Following a recent meeting between high-ranking officials from both countries to discuss South China Sea matters, the dialogue remains overshadowed by increasing hostility at sea, ultimately raising concerns over future stability in the region.