Image Credits- Reuters
Recent satellite images reveal the presence of a new floating barrier at the entrance of Scarborough Shoal in the contentious South China Sea. The barrier, documented by Maxar Technologies on February 22nd, obstructs access to the shoal’s mouth, where encounters between Philippine and Chinese vessels have been frequent. Last week, the Chinese coast guard purportedly repelled a Philippine vessel, alleging illegal intrusion into Chinese waters. However, the Philippines disputes these claims, asserting the lawfulness of its activities in the area, including patrols and fuel transport for Filipino fishermen.
Scarborough Shoal lies within the Philippines’ 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone, yet China maintains territorial assertions over it. The shoal’s strategic significance, coupled with conflicting sovereignty claims, has made it a focal point of regional tension. Notably, an international arbitration tribunal in 2016 invalidated China’s claims, a decision rejected by Beijing.
The satellite images corroborate reports from the Philippine Coast Guard, which documented Chinese coast guard vessels deploying barriers at the shoal’s entrance on February 22nd. The Chinese actions were reportedly accompanied by shadowing and blocking manoeuvres directed at Philippine vessels. Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Jay Tarriela suggests that the barriers aim to deter Philippine government vessels from monitoring activities in the vicinity.
China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning reaffirmed China’s sovereignty over Scarborough Shoal and criticised Philippine actions as violations. The recent developments signal potential escalation, with experts suggesting that Beijing’s actions may be a response to Manila’s challenges to Chinese presence in the area.
Since assuming office in June 2022, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has confronted Chinese assertiveness at Scarborough Shoal, supporting Filipino fishermen’s rights upheld by the 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling. The shoal’s rich marine resources and sheltered lagoon make it a vital fishing ground and refuge during storms.
The removal of the floating barrier after the departure of Philippine vessels underscores the temporary nature of Chinese actions. However, the incident underscores the fragile maritime situation in the South China Sea and the ongoing contestation over territorial and fishing rights. As tensions persist, the potential for further incidents remains a concern, heightening regional instability in the contested waters.
