Philippines Accuses China’s Coast Guard of Installing Barrier in South China Sea

One sentence summary – The Philippines has accused China’s coast guard of installing a “floating barrier” in the South China Sea, preventing Filipino fishermen from accessing the Scarborough Shoal and violating international law, prompting the Philippines to consider raising the issue at international forums and seeking support from other countries involved in the dispute.

At a glance

• The Philippines accuses China’s coast guard of installing a “floating barrier” in the South China Sea.
• The barrier is preventing Filipino fishing boats from accessing the Scarborough Shoal.
• Filipino fishermen are being deprived of their fishing activities and livelihoods.
• The barrier, estimated to be 300 meters long, was discovered during a routine patrol by the Philippine coast guard and fisheries bureau personnel.
• China’s claim of 90% ownership over the South China Sea overlaps with the exclusive economic zones of Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

The details

The Philippines has lodged an accusation against China’s coast guard for installing a “floating barrier” in a disputed region of the South China Sea.

This barrier is reportedly preventing Filipino fishing boats from accessing the Scarborough Shoal.

This action is said to be depriving Filipino fishermen of their fishing activities and livelihoods.

The discovery of this floating barrier, which is estimated to be 300 meters long, was made by the Philippine coast guard and fisheries bureau personnel.

This discovery was made during a routine patrol.

China’s claim of 90% ownership over the South China Sea overlaps with the exclusive economic zones of several countries.

These countries include Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

In 2012, Beijing seized the Scarborough Shoal.

This seizure resulted in Filipino fishermen having to travel further for smaller catches.

Filipino fishermen have observed that China typically installs such barriers when monitoring a large number of fishermen in the area.

This recent development has escalated tensions between the Philippines and China in the South China Sea dispute.

The Philippines argues that China’s actions violate international law.

Specifically, the Philippines cites the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as being violated.

The UNCLOS grants coastal states exclusive rights over the resources within their exclusive economic zones.

The installation of the floating barrier has significant implications for the affected Filipino fishermen.

These fishermen heavily rely on fishing in the Scarborough Shoal for their livelihoods.

The barrier obstructs their access to traditional fishing grounds.

This exacerbates the challenges they already face due to previous Chinese actions.

Filipino fishermen have previously been subjected to harassment and intimidation by Chinese maritime forces in the area.

The Philippines may consider raising this issue at international forums.

These forums could include the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) or through diplomatic channels.

The aim would be to seek a resolution.

Other countries with overlapping claims in the South China Sea may express their concerns.

These countries may support the Philippines in addressing China’s actions.

This news story highlights the ongoing territorial disputes and tensions in the South China Sea.

The disputes and tensions are particularly between China and the Philippines.

The installation of the floating barrier by China’s coast guard in the Scarborough Shoal significantly affects Filipino fishermen.

These fishermen have already experienced challenges due to previous Chinese actions in the area.

The Philippines will likely pursue diplomatic avenues to address this issue.

The Philippines may seek support from other countries involved in the South China Sea dispute.

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