The Philippines has accused China of installing a 300-metre floating barrier in the Scarborough Shoal, a disputed area in the South China Sea, to prevent local fishermen from entering a lagoon. The Philippine coast guard discovered the obstacle during a patrol on Friday, according to Commodore Jay Tarriela.
Three Chinese coast guard boats and a Chinese maritime militia vessel installed the barrier when the Philippine patrol arrived. The Chinese boats issued 15 radio challenges, accusing the Philippine ship and fishermen of violating international and Chinese laws, before departing after noticing media personnel on board the Filipino vessel.
Commodore Tarriela stated that the barrier is depriving Filipino fishermen of their livelihood, noting that such barriers are typically installed when Chinese authorities monitor a large number of fishermen in the area. He said the Philippine coast guard would work with relevant governments but would uphold the country's maritime rights and protect its maritime domains.
China seized the Scarborough Shoal in 2012 and claims over 90% of the South China Sea, a region rich in fish and believed to hold substantial oil and gas reserves. The claims have also drawn objections from Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Brunei. Tensions have escalated since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr took office last year, restoring security ties with the US and granting American troops wider access to Philippine bases.
