On Monday, May 20th, the Philippines challenged China by demanding that China open Scarborough Shoal (also known as Bajo de Masinloc, or Huangyan Island as China calls it) to international supervision. The Philippines had previously accused China of damaging the marine environment of the shoal.
In recent days, the Philippines has been continuously accusing China of using water cannons to attack Filipino vessels, obstructing them from passing through the disputed shoal and reefs. The tension between Manila and Beijing in the South China Sea has been escalating.
Jonathan Malaya, spokesperson for the Philippine National Security Council, expressed shock and concern at a press conference about the situation there. The Philippine government is increasingly of the view that it is necessary to sue China for damaging coral reefs (including fishing endangered giant clams) in the South China Sea.
Photos taken by the Philippine Coast Guard between 2018 and 2019 showed Chinese fishermen illegally fishing for giant clams, rays, shells, and turtles near the shoal, damaging the marine environment.
Jay Tarriela, spokesperson for the Coast Guard, remarked during Monday’s meeting, “This is clear evidence of (China’s) lack of concern for the marine environment.”
Malaya stated, “If you (China) believe what you say is true, then open Bajo de Masinloc to international supervision, and it must be by a third party.”
China seized Scarborough Shoal in 2012, while the Philippines claimed control over it at The Hague Tribunal. In 2016, the tribunal ruled that Beijing’s sovereignty claim over 90% of the South China Sea had no basis in international law.
Located about 100 nautical miles from the western coast of the Philippines and hundreds of miles from the southern coast of China, Scarborough Shoal, occupied by China, has seen Filipino fishermen being forcefully driven away since 2012.
Last week, the Chinese Coast Guard announced that they would enforce a 2021 law allowing authorities to fire on foreign ships when their sovereignty rights are violated. The Chinese Foreign Ministry stated on Monday, “If individuals and entities involved are not engaged in illegal activities, there is no need to worry.”
Malaya emphasized that China has no authority over the high seas, and the latest Chinese regulations contradict international law, branding them as a “scare tactic” to intimidate and coerce Asian neighbors. He stated, “The Philippines will never succumb to the intimidation or coercion of the Chinese Coast Guard.”
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr declared in a speech last week that the Philippines would vigorously defend its territory against any invaders who do not respect its territorial integrity. While he did not explicitly mention invaders, his remarks undoubtedly alluded to the heightened tensions between the Philippines and China due to maritime disputes.
(Reference: Reuters)