Recent satellite images reveal the installation of a new floating barrier across the entrance of the Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. This disputed area has been a site of frequent encounters between Philippine ships and China coast guard vessels.

Despite being located within the Philippines' 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone, China asserts its claim over the Scarborough Shoal. A recent image captured by Maxar Technologies as reviewed by Reuters, depicted a barrier obstructing the entrance of the Scarborough Shoal. Recently Chinese coast guard reported repelling a Philippine vessel that it deemed to be unlawfully entering Beijing's waters at the shoal's mouth.

An international tribunal in The Hague ruled in 2016 against China's claims to the Scarborough Shoal, a decision Beijing disputes. This has led to ongoing disputes over sovereignty and fishing rights. Recent satellite images support reports by the Philippine Coast Guard of Chinese Coast Guard vessels deploying barriers at the shoal's entrance on February 22.

According to the Philippine Coast Guard, a China coast guard ship trailed a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel near the Scarborough Shoal, engaging in obstructive manueuvers approximately 1.3 nautical miles (2.4 km) from the shoal, and closely approached it.

Jay Tarriela, a spokesperson for the Philippine Coast Guard, stated that the installation of the barrier at the shoal's entrance is believed to be targeted at Philippine government vessels. He referred to the shoal as Bajo de Masinloc, the name Manila uses for the area.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning reiterated China's claim over the Scarborough Shoal, known as "Huangyan Dao" in Chinese, stating it as China's inherent territory. Mao Ning asserted that recent actions by the Philippine side have infringed upon China's sovereignty in the shoal's waters, prompting China to take necessary measures to protect its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.

A satellite image from Maxar Technologies indicated a potential Chinese interception of a BFAR vessel at Scarborough Shoal. China's expansive claims in the South China Sea intersect with those of several Southeast Asian nations, including the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei.

Since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr took office in June 2022, the Philippines have contested China's presence at Scarborough Shoal and its efforts to obstruct the resupply of Filipino troops stationed at Second Thomas Shoal, he said.

According to Storey, China's attempts to restrict Filipino fishermen from accessing Scarborough Shoal are illegal. He emphasized that the 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling grants fishermen from both countries the right to fish there, with Manila, supporting the legitimate rights of Filipino fishermen.

In a statement, China's state media outlet Global Times accused the Philippines of undermining Beijing's goodwill by challenging China's sovereignty and jurisdiction in the area. The article warned that if such provocations continue, China may take stronger measures to control the situation, citing experts.

Image source: Reuters