Reuters reported that Philippine Coast Guard spokesman Jay Tarriella said on the 24th that the Philippine Coast Guard and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources “strongly condemn” the incident.Beijing“Floating barriers” have been partially installed in the disputed Scarborough Shoal area in the South China Sea, blocking Philippine fishermen from entering the area to engage in fishing and livelihood activities.
tarizela is insocial mediaX alleged that the floating barriers at Huangyan Island were installed by the Chinese coast guard. The Philippine Coast Guard will continue to work closely with relevant government departments to respond to these challenges to protect the maritime rights and interests of the Philippines and protect its own waters. , Beijing’s embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.
During the tenure of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, China–Philippine relations improved significantly. Beijing once allowed Filipino fishermen to return to the uninhabited Scarborough Shoal. However, after current President Marcos took office last year, tensions between the two countries resumed. The Philippines calls Scarborough Shoal Bajo de Masinloc.
Tariera said that during a routine patrol on the 22nd, Philippine Coast Guard and Department of Fisheries personnel discovered floating obstructions around Scarborough Shoal, estimated to be 300 meters in length. He said when the Philippine ship arrived, three Chinese coast guard rigid inflatable boats and a maritime militia ship had set up a barrier.
Philippine fishermen said Beijing usually imposes such barriers when monitoring the large number of fishermen there.
Tariera also said the Chinese vessels issued a total of 15 radio warnings accusing Philippine vessels and fishermen of violating international law and orders from Beijing and then left after learning that there were media personnel on the Philippine vessels. .
Beijing claims sovereignty over 90% of the South China Sea and its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia and the Philippines overlap. In 2012, Beijing took control of the Scarborough Shoal, forcing Filipino fishermen to fish remotely, affecting the fisheries.
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