China’s Coast Guard Patrols Disputed Scarborough Shoal In South China Sea

China has ramped up its coast guard patrols around the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, further increasing tensions with the Philippines.

Since early November, the Chinese Coast Guard has been increasing patrols around the shoal, which both China and the Philippines claim as their own. The CCG has made it clear that the aim is to strengthen control over the area and safeguard China’s territorial rights.

In a statement, China’s Coast Guard said that the patrols are part of efforts to maintain sovereignty over the region and its maritime interests.

The Scarborough Shoal, or Huangyan Island in China, has been a long-standing point of contention between the two nations. In 2012, China took control of the shoal after a tense stand-off with the Philippines, and since then, the area has been at the centre of growing disputes in the South China Sea.

Despite a 2016 international court decision favouring the Philippines, which rejected China’s extensive claims, Beijing has refused to recognise the ruling and continues to patrol and assert control over the waters.

There have been reports of clashes between ships, with several vessels suffering damage. The increased military and Coast Guard presence will maintain China’s dominance in the disputed waters.

The Philippines, which has a defence agreement with the United States, has strengthened its position. This month, the Philippines passed laws to increase its territorial claims in the South China Sea.

China has strongly criticised these moves as a direct challenge to its sovereignty. In response, China has declared new territorial baselines around the Scarborough Shoal, describing the decision as necessary for better marine management.

While China insists these moves follow international law, the Philippines and the international community see it as an unlawful extension of China’s territorial reach.

The United States a close ally of the Philippines has also expressed concern over China’s actions in the South China Sea. The U.S. has condemned China for militarising the region and using coercion against neighbouring countries.

Recently, the U.S. deployed a special task force to support the Philippines in the disputed waters, further escalating tensions.

At a recent meeting of the Group of 7 (G7) foreign ministers, members reiterated their opposition to China’s aggressive behaviour in the region.

The G7 called for an end to China’s militarisation of the South China Sea and said that there is no legal basis for China’s expansive maritime claims.

China immediately rejected these criticisms, accusing the G7 of interfering in its internal affairs and seeking to undermine its sovereignty.

References: Reuters, SCMP

Source: Maritime Shipping News