Recent satellite images reveal a new floating barrier erected at the entrance of the contested Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. The images, captured by Maxar Technologies on 22 February and seen by Reuters, show a barrier obstructing the mouth of the shoal.
This development follows China’s recent claim of driving off a Philippine vessel “illegally intruding” into Beijing’s waters near the Scarborough Shoal. Manila has vehemently disputed these claims, asserting that their activities in the area, including the deployment of a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel to patrol and provide fuel to Filipino fishermen, are entirely lawful.
“We can assume that (the barrier) is intended for Philippine government vessels because they install it every time they monitor our presence within the BDM vicinity,” said Jay Tarriela, a spokesperson for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), referring to Bajo de Masinloc, Manila’s name for the shoal.
Scarborough Shoal Dispute
The Scarborough Shoal, situated within the Philippines’ 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone, has been a focal point of contention. Despite an international arbitration tribunal ruling in The Hague in 2016 that China’s claims have no legal basis, Beijing refuses to acknowledge the decision, exacerbating diplomatic tensions over sovereignty and fishing rights.
“The 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling gave fishermen from both countries the right to (fish there). Manila is merely supporting the legitimate rights of Filipino fishermen,” emphasised Ian Storey, a senior fellow at Singapore’s ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute.
The satellite imagery aligns with a report from the PCG and a video released on Sunday, illustrating Chinese coast guard inflatable boats deploying barriers at the shoal’s entrance on 22 February. The PCG reported that a Chinese coast guard ship closely monitored and engaged in “blocking manoeuvres” near the BFAR vessel. An additional satellite image indicates a “possible Chinese interception of a BFAR vessel” at Scarborough Shoal, further heightening concerns about increasing friction in the region.
The Philippines contends that these barriers are strategically placed to impede Filipino government vessels, and tensions are escalating as China brazenly asserts its territorial claims. Since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assumed office in June 2022, the Philippines has confronted China’s activities at the disputed shoal and its attempts to obstruct the resupply of Filipino troops stationed at Second Thomas Shoal
Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning emphasised that Scarborough Shoal is “China’s inherent territory” and accused the Philippines of actions violating China’s sovereignty. “The Philippines has abused and unilaterally sabotaged the foundation of Beijing’s goodwill to Manila,” warned a Global Times article on Sunday, indicating China’s growing frustration with Philippine actions in the region.
The Scarborough Shoal’s significance, with its abundant fish stocks and sheltered lagoon, amplifies the intensity of the dispute. As China removes the newly erected barrier, the situation remains precarious, with experts warning that continued provocations could lead to further escalations in this volatile maritime region.
Floating Barrier Spotted at Entrance of Disputed Scarborough Shoal Escalates China-Philippines Tensions
This development follows China’s recent claim of driving off a Philippine vessel “illegally intruding” into Beijing’s waters near the shoal.
February 27, 2024
IMAGE SOURCE: Philippines Coast GuardChinese boats were seen close to the floating barrier at the entrance of the disputed shoal.