The Philippines on Sunday condemned the Chinese coast guard for installing what it called a “floating barrier” in a disputed area of the South China Sea, saying that it prevented Filipino boats from entering and fishing in the area.
In a statement, Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Jay Tarriela said the floating barrier was discovered by Philippine vessels during a routine maritime patrol on Friday and measured around 300 meters (984 feet). According to the statement, Manila’s Coast Guard and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources strongly condemned China’s installation of the barrier.
The barrier “prevents Filipino fishing boats from entering the shoal and depriving them of their fishing and livelihood activities,” he said.
The South China Sea is a disputed territory, with China claiming 90% of the area, which overlaps with the exclusive economic zones of neighboring countries such as Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, and the Philippines. In 2012, Beijing took control of the Scarborough Shoal, forcing Filipino fishermen to travel further to catch smaller fish. However, improved bilateral relations between China and the Philippines under former President Rodrigo Duterte led to the return of Filipino fishermen to the uninhabited shoal. Recent tensions have flared up again since the election of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as the new President.
In a statement, Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Jay Tarriela said the floating barrier was discovered by Philippine vessels during a routine maritime patrol on Friday and measured around 300 meters (984 feet). According to the statement, Manila’s Coast Guard and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources strongly condemned China’s installation of the barrier.
The barrier “prevents Filipino fishing boats from entering the shoal and depriving them of their fishing and livelihood activities,” he said.
The South China Sea is a disputed territory, with China claiming 90% of the area, which overlaps with the exclusive economic zones of neighboring countries such as Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, and the Philippines. In 2012, Beijing took control of the Scarborough Shoal, forcing Filipino fishermen to travel further to catch smaller fish. However, improved bilateral relations between China and the Philippines under former President Rodrigo Duterte led to the return of Filipino fishermen to the uninhabited shoal. Recent tensions have flared up again since the election of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as the new President.
