Filipino fishermen and activists sailed to the contested Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, challenging China's assertions of sovereignty over the disputed area. This move comes amidst heightened tensions and increasing confrontations between the Philippines and China over territorial claims.
China's foreign ministry reiterated its stance on Wednesday, stating, "The island is our territory and we have indisputable sovereignty." The ministry emphasized that China maintains goodwill measures concerning fishing activities in the South China Sea, despite recent maritime encounters with the Philippines. This statement follows reports of Philippine fishing boats delivering supplies to Filipino fishermen in the area, aiming to assert their rights in the disputed region.
The South China Sea has become a focal point of geopolitical tension, with both nations laying claim to key maritime features. Central to these disputes are the Scarborough Shoal and the Second Thomas Shoal, both located within Manila's 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone but claimed by Beijing under its expansive nine-dash line.
The Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled in 2016 that China's broad claims in the South China Sea had no legal basis, a decision that handed a significant victory to the Philippines. Despite this, China has continued to assert its dominance in the region, deploying numerous coast guard vessels to patrol these contested waters, causing alarm among rival claimants and other nations, including the United States.
Recent standoffs have grown increasingly tense. China's coast guard has employed aggressive tactics such as using water cannons, collision maneuvers, and, according to Manila, even military-grade lasers to repel Philippine resupply and patrol missions. During a recent resupply mission to the Second Thomas Shoal, Philippine boats were damaged, and some crew members sustained injuries from water cannon attacks. China has urged the Philippines to remove a grounded warship from the area, a request Manila denies agreeing to.
International reaction has been swift, with major powers like the United States, Japan, Australia, France, and Britain condemning China's actions. A senior U.S. admiral described China's behavior as "dangerous, illegal, and destabilizing."
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has adopted a firm stance against what he perceives as Chinese aggression. He recently vowed to implement countermeasures against "illegal, coercive, aggressive, and dangerous attacks" by China's coast guard. Marcos has also called for stronger coordination on maritime security to address challenges to territorial integrity and peace.
The Philippines' efforts to assert its sovereignty are backed by increased security engagements with the United States, including expanded access to Philippine bases and joint patrols. The United States has a Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines and has reiterated its commitment to protect its ally if attacked in the South China Sea.
On Wednesday, the Philippines dispatched three coast guard vessels and a light plane to ensure the safety of a civilian flotilla heading to the Scarborough Shoal. Organized by the group Atin Ito (This is Ours), the mission involved distributing provisions to fishermen and laying symbolic buoys within the Philippine EEZ. The group aimed to avoid confrontation but was prepared for any contingencies.
China's state broadcaster CCTV reported recent routine drills by the Chinese coast guard at the shoal. Beijing continues to assert its sovereignty over the area, warning that it would defend its rights if the Philippine side infringes on its territorial claims.
The Scarborough Shoal, coveted for its rich fish stocks and safe harbor during storms, was seized by China in 2012 after a standoff with the Philippines. Despite the 2016 Hague ruling, China has maintained a constant presence of coast guard and fishing vessels in the area.
The Philippines' assertive actions, including inviting foreign journalists to document maritime encounters, aim to shed light on China's "grey zone" tactics. However, the increasing frequency of these confrontations raises fears of potential armed conflict, particularly given the United States' treaty obligations to defend the Philippines.
