Philippines Accuses China of Installing Barrier in Disputed South China Sea Area

The Philippines has accused China’s coast guard of installing a “floating barrier” within its exclusive economic zones (EEZs) in the South China Sea. This move prevents Filipino fishermen from entering and fishing in an area claimed by the Chinese Communist Party as part of its territory.

Commodore Jay Tarriela, a spokesperson for the Philippine Coast Guard, condemned China’s installation of the barrier in part of the Scarborough Shoal. He stated that both the Philippine Coast Guard and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources strongly condemn this action and are committed to addressing the challenges, upholding maritime rights, and protecting maritime domains.

China claims about 90% of the South China Sea, which overlaps with the EEZs of several other countries, including Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Tensions have risen since the Philippines’ new president, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., took office last year.

Filipino fishermen reported that China typically installs such barriers when monitoring a large number of fishermen in the area. The Philippine vessel encountered three Chinese coast guard boats and a Chinese maritime militia service boat when the barrier was discovered.

China’s maritime claims in the South China Sea have been deemed in violation of international law, as reflected in the 2016 ruling by the Hague against Beijing’s claims. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), to which China is a signatory, designates maritime areas within 200 nautical miles of coastal nations’ borders as part of their EEZs.

The Chinese embassy in Manila has not yet responded to requests for comment on this matter.