Philippines to Remove Chinese Barrier in Disputed Territory
The Philippines will remove China's barrier in disputed areas of the South China Sea. This was conveyed by the Philippine national security adviser, on Monday, September 25, 2023.
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| Chinese coast guard boats were seen close to the floating barrier on Wednesday (Photo: PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD/HANDOUT VIA REUTERS) |
On Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, the Philippines shared photos of a buoyancy barrier blocking fishing boat access on the shoal of Scarborough Shoal with Chinese coast guard vessels appearing to be in the vicinity. The Philippines also said it would protect the rights of its fishermen.
China claims 90 percent of the South China Sea
China claims 90 percent of the South China Sea overlaps with the exclusive economic zones of Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Beijing seized Scarborough Shoal in 2012 and forced fishermen from the Philippines to venture further afield for less catch.
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Philippine coast guard and personnel from the fisheries service discovered the floating barrier, estimated to be 300 meters long, while conducting routine patrols near a shoal known locally as Bajo de Masinloc on Friday, Sept. 22, 2023, said Commodore Jay Tarriela, a coast guard spokesman.
"We have to be very careful (not to commit) diplomatic mistakes," Tarriela said in a radio interview on Monday, Sept. 25, 2023, before the government's comments were released. He answered a question about whether the Coast Guard would remove the barrier.
Tarriela said according to Filipino fishermen, China's coast guard usually puts up barriers when they monitor large numbers of fishermen in the region. They will get rid of that barrier later.