MANILA – A dangerous new flashpoint has erupted in the hotly contested waters of the South China Sea, as the Philippine coast guard accuses China of deploying a 'floating barrier' to seal off a strategic lagoon.
The incident, which occurred on Saturday at the Scarborough Shoal (known as Bajo de Masinloc in Manila), saw Chinese maritime vessels install a 300-metre-long barrier at the entrance to the shoal's lagoon. The move effectively blocks access for Filipino fishermen to one of their traditional fishing grounds.
A Deliberate Act of Exclusion
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) was conducting a routine resupply mission to local fishermen when they discovered the barrier. According to their statement, the structure was a clear attempt by China's coast guard to prevent Filipinos from operating in their own exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
'This is a blatant violation of international law and a direct challenge to the rights of our fishermen,' a PCG spokesperson stated. 'The installation of the barrier is illegal and we demand its immediate removal.'
China's Expanding Claims
China lays claim to almost the entire South China Sea, a vital global shipping route believed to sit atop vast oil and gas reserves. Its 'nine-dash line' claim, which was invalidated by a 2016 international tribunal ruling at The Hague, overlaps with the EEZs of several nations, including the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia.
Despite the ruling, Beijing has continued to militarise artificial islands and assert its control through the presence of its coast guard and maritime militia, leading to frequent confrontations.
Manila's Firm Response
The administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has taken a markedly firmer stance against Beijing's incursions compared to his predecessor. The Philippine government has vowed to take 'all appropriate actions' to protect its sovereignty and ensure the safety of its fishermen.
This latest incident is expected to further strain diplomatic relations between the two nations and will likely draw the attention of Manila's key ally, the United States. The international community watches closely as tensions in this critical maritime region continue to rise.
