The Philippines has taken decisive action by removing a floating barrier set up by China, which was intended to prevent Philippine fishing boats from accessing a disputed region in the South China Sea.
Barrier Installation and Removal
The barrier, spanning 300m (1,000ft), was placed by China in the Scarborough Shoal, a move that Manila claims infringes upon its fishing rights. The Philippines coast guard, under the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Junior, was responsible for the barrier’s removal. The coast guard stated that the barrier not only posed a navigational hazard but also blatantly violated international law. Moreover, it obstructed Filipino fisherfolk from their fishing activities. The coast guard emphasized that the shoal is “an integral part of the Philippine national territory.”
China’s Stance
China, which has claimed over 90% of the South China Sea and took control of the shoal in 2012, defended its coastguard’s actions, labeling them as “necessary measures.”
On-the-Ground Developments
Commodore Jay Tarriela of the coast guard reported that the barrier was first detected during a patrol on Friday. As the Philippine vessel approached, three Chinese coast guard boats and a Chinese maritime militia service boat were seen installing the barrier. The Chinese boats confronted the Philippine ship, accusing it of violating both international and Chinese laws. However, they retreated after noticing media personnel aboard the Philippine vessel.
International Reactions
Japan, emphasizing the importance of the South China Sea to regional stability, has called for calm. Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno, during a press briefing, stated, “Our country strongly opposes any conduct that heightens tension in the South China Sea.”
The South China Sea, a significant fishing ground believed to be rich in oil and gas reserves, witnesses the operation of over half of the world’s fishing vessels. China’s territorial claims in the area have been a source of tension with several countries, including the Philippines, Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Brunei.
US Involvement and Rising Tensions
While the US has maintained a neutral stance on territorial disputes, it has conducted “freedom of navigation” operations by deploying military ships and planes near disputed islands. The Scarborough Shoal was seized by Beijing in 2012, pushing Filipino fishermen to venture further for smaller hauls. Although China later permitted the Philippines to fish in the vicinity, relations have been strained since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr took office. Marcos Jr has re-established security ties with the US and recently allowed American troops greater access to Philippine military bases, a move that has irked China.
