Diplomatic Tensions Rise as Philippines Files Protest against China over Scarborough Shoal Incident
Philippines Lodges Latest in Nearly 200 Protests Against China
The Philippines’ foreign ministry has filed a diplomatic protest against China over a recent maritime incident in the contested Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. This is the latest in nearly 200 protests lodged by the Philippines against China under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, who has increasingly complained about what he says are Beijing’s aggressive actions in the South China Sea.
Incident Highlights Escalating Tensions
Chinese coastguard vessels on December 4 fired water cannon and side-swiped a Manila fisheries bureau boat transporting supplies to Filipino fishermen operating in the Scarborough Shoal, according to Philippine officials. Philippine coastguard vessels also faced “blocking, shadowing, and dangerous manoeuvres” from a Chinese navy vessel, actions which a senior Filipino security official described as alarming.
“We consider that a steep escalation on the part of the People’s Republic of China,” Jonathan Malaya, National Security Council spokesperson, said in an interview with ANC News Channel.
Philippines Reserves Right to Deploy Naval Vessels
While the Philippines aims to maintain its resupply missions in the South China Sea as civilian operations, Malaya said the country reserved the right to deploy naval vessels. The Philippines has continued to assert its rights in the area, citing its historical and traditional use of the Scarborough Shoal as a fishing ground.
China’s Response
China’s Coast Guard insisted that “the responsibility lies entirely with the Philippine side”. It said in a statement that it took “necessary control measures” against Philippine vessels, and its actions were “professional, standardised, legitimate and lawful”. China’s embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
South China Sea Dispute
Beijing claims almost all of the South China Sea, including the Scarborough Shoal, which has angered neighbouring countries that dispute some boundaries they say cut into their exclusive economic zones. China rejects a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague that Beijing’s expansive claims had no basis under international law.
Sovereignty and International Law
Sovereignty over the Scarborough Shoal has never been established, but the tribunal did rule that China’s blockade there violated international law. The area is a traditional fishing ground used by fishermen of many nationalities.
Conclusion
The Philippines’ diplomatic protest against China highlights the escalating tensions in the South China Sea. The Philippines has continued to assert its rights in the area, citing its historical and traditional use of the Scarborough Shoal as a fishing ground. China, however, has insisted that its actions were necessary and lawful. The dispute remains a source of concern for the international community, as it threatens regional stability and security.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Scarborough Shoal?
A: The Scarborough Shoal is a disputed territory in the South China Sea, claimed by both the Philippines and China.
Q: What happened in the December 4 incident?
A: Chinese coastguard vessels fired water cannon and side-swiped a Manila fisheries bureau boat transporting supplies to Filipino fishermen operating in the Scarborough Shoal. Philippine coastguard vessels also faced “blocking, shadowing, and dangerous manoeuvres” from a Chinese navy vessel.
Q: How many protests has the Philippines lodged against China?
A: The Philippines has lodged nearly 200 protests against China under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Q: What is the significance of the Scarborough Shoal?
A: The Scarborough Shoal is a traditional fishing ground used by fishermen of many nationalities. It is also a source of concern for the international community, as it threatens regional stability and security.