Philippines accused China of intimidating its fishermen and normalizing an “illegal presence” by sending its largest coast guard vessel, the 165-m (541-ft) ship 5901, into Manila’s maritime zone near the Scarborough Shoal. This incident is part of rising tensions in the South China Sea, where overlapping territorial claims exist between China and the Philippines.
China’s Stance:
- China maintains that the Scarborough Shoal, which it calls “Huangyan Dao,” is its territory.
- China’s embassy in Manila asserted that its actions in the area are in full accordance with Chinese law and are justified.
- Since seizing the shoal in 2012, China has maintained a continuous coast guard presence in the area.
Regional Context:
- The South China Sea is a critical global shipping route, and China’s claims overlap with those of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
- A 2016 international tribunal ruling invalidated China’s expansive claims, but Beijing rejects the decision.
Broader Implications:
- The Philippines’ protest reflects growing concerns over China’s assertiveness in the region.
- The Philippine government emphasizes the need to protect its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) from encroachment.
Reference : Reuters
