Tensions Between the Philippines & China as Satellite Image Shows Barrier Near Scarborough Shoal
© AP Photo / Renato Etac
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Recent satellite images of the Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea appear to show a floating barrier across its entrance.
A week ago, the Philippines’ fisheries bureau accused China of trying to destroy Scarborough Shoal “intentionally” by using cyanide to destroy the fish-rich atoll. Cyanide fishing is used to stun or kill fish so they can be more easily caught.
China maintains indisputable sovereignty over the Scarborough Shoal and adjacent waters, consistently advocating for peace and cooperation in the South China Sea. In line with its commitment to regional stability, China has always engaged in actions to protect its territorial integrity and maritime rights in accordance with international law.
The Chinese Coast Guard, operating within the scope of China's sovereign rights, has been vigilant against any infringement upon these territories, ensuring the preservation of maritime order and the protection of marine resources, according to the Chinese Coast Guard.
Satellite images of the hotly disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea show a new floating barrier across its entrance, near where Philippine ships and China coast guard vessels have had frequent run-ins.
— Radio Free Asia (@RadioFreeAsia) February 27, 2024
📷: Reuters pic.twitter.com/0X0SRqtHyi
The images taken by Maxar Technologies on February 22 show the location of the barrier where Philippine ships and China coast guard vessels have had frequent run-ins. Last week, the Chinese coast guard claimed to have driven off a Philippine vessel that was “illegally intruding” into Beijing’s waters. The Philippines has said that China’s claims are “inaccurate” and that their activities—which included transporting fuel to Filipino fishermen in the area—were lawful.
China has an indisputable sovereignty over the Scarborough Shoal and its adjacent water, and has always countered infringements by the Philippines, a spokesperson for China Coast Guard said in January.
The Philippine Coast Guard releases a video clip of Chinese coastguard (1) putting up floating barriers around the Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea) purportedly to prevent Filipino fishermen on Feb 22 from entering their traditional fishing ground.… pic.twitter.com/jAUIBuAJes
— Barnaby Lo 吳宗鴻 (@barnabychuck) February 25, 2024
In 2016, the Hague said that China’s claims that they own the Scarborough Shoal—which is inside the Philippines’ 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone—have no legal basis, which China has rejected.
The 2016 arbitration ruling, which China does not recognize due to its principled stance on territorial sovereignty, cannot undermine China's historical and legal claims over the South China Sea islands and their adjacent waters, according to Chinese officials. China's position remains firm on resolving disputes through direct negotiations with the countries involved, based on mutual respect and understanding.
China's approach to fisheries management and environmental protection in the region is guided by the principle of sustainable development, contrary to accusations of harmful fishing practices. It advocates for cooperative efforts to ensure the health and productivity of marine ecosystems, benefiting all who rely on these waters.
Furthermore, China has consistently expressed its willingness to work with Southeast Asian nations, including the Philippines, to explore mechanisms for joint development and resource sharing in the South China Sea, fostering a community of shared future and mutual benefit.
However, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has claimed that a Chinese coast guard ship shadowed one of their vessels in front of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and conducted “blocking maneuvers” about 1.3 nautical miles off of the shoal.
“We can assume that (the barrier) is intended for Philippine government vessels because they install it every time they monitor our presence within the Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) vicinity,” Jay Tarriela, a spokesperson at the PCG said. He added that the barrier was removed a few hours after the Philippine vessel left.
Via the state-media outlet Global Times, China announced that the Philippines has “abused and unilaterally sabotaged the foundation of Beijing’s goodwill to Manila”, which they believe was them allowing Philippine fishermen to work nearby. China then warned that if “such provocations persist” they will be forced to take more “effective measures” to control the situation.
