A coast guard official from the Philippines disagreed with a statement made by their Chinese counterpart. The Chinese coast guard claimed that a Philippine fisheries vessel had illegally entered their waters near Scarborough Shoal. However, the Philippine official said this claim was wrong.
According to Commodore Jay Tarriela, the spokesperson for the Philippine coast guard on South China Sea issues, the statement made by the Chinese coast guard is inaccurate. He stated that the fisheries vessel, known as BRP Datu Sanday, is currently patrolling the waters of Bajo De Masinloc. The vessel’s main task is to ensure the safety and security of Filipino fishermen in that area.
Scarborough Shoal, where the incident took place, is located within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ). However, China also claims the area, leading to ongoing disputes and tensions. This makes Scarborough Shoal one of the most contested maritime features in Asia and a potential flashpoint for conflicts.
China has been asserting its territorial claims over the South China Sea, which is a vital conduit for more than $3 trillion in annual ship commerce. Its claims overlap with those of the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei. In 2016, an international arbitration tribunal in the Hague ruled that China’s claims in the South China Sea had no legal basis. However, China has rejected this decision and continues to assert its claims in the region.
