Philippines Accuses China of Erecting Floating Barrier in Disputed South China Sea Region

The Philippines has accused China of placing a "floating barrier" in the South China Sea to prevent fishing boats from entering a disputed area. The Philippines' coast guard revealed that this 300m obstacle was obstructing fishermen's access to a lagoon in the Scarborough Shoal. China, which claims over 90% of the South China Sea and took control of the shoal in 2012, placed the barrier with the help of three Chinese coast guard boats and a Chinese maritime militia service boat. The Chinese vessels issued 15 radio challenges, accusing the Philippine ship and fishermen of violating international and Chinese laws. China's embassy in Manila did not respond to a request for comment. Commodore Jay Tarriela of the Philippine coast guard stated that Filipino fishermen claim China typically installs such barriers when monitoring a large number of fishermen in the area. The South China Sea is a crucial fishing area, believed to contain significant oil and gas resources, with over half of the world's fishing vessels operating in the region. China's territorial claims have angered not only the Philippines but also Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Brunei. China has reinforced its claims with island-building activities and naval patrols. The US has conducted "freedom of navigation" operations, sending military ships and planes near disputed islands to assert its non-partisan stance in territorial disputes. China seized the Scarborough Shoal in 2012, forcing Filipino fishermen to travel further for lower catches. However, when relations improved, the Philippines regained permission to fish nearby. Tensions have escalated since Ferdinand Marcos Jr assumed the presidency, as he has restored security ties with the US and allowed American troops broader access to Philippine military bases, angering China, which sees a larger US presence as a challenge to its interests.