On Monday there was another incident between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea. According to authorities in Manila, two Chinese coast guard ships fired water cannons from two directions at a Philippine coast guard ship (video above).
The ‘BRP Bagacay’ has been damaged, the Philippine Coast Guard announced on Tuesday. The damage to the ship was “evidence of the strong water pressure used by the Chinese Coast Guard in its harassment,” the report said. The incident took place near the controversial Scarborough Shoal reef. The Philippines wanted to provide supplies to fishermen in the local fishing area.
The battle for a fish-rich reef has been going on for years
The fish-rich reef, called Huangyan Island in China, is largely underwater and is located about 230 kilometers off the northwest coast of the Philippines. It was the focus of a military incident between the two countries in 2012, after which Beijing occupied the reef. The International Court of Arbitration (ICC), based in The Hague, rejected China’s territorial claims in 2016. Beijing ignores the ruling.
Floating barrier installed in front of the reef
China’s coast guard has also reinstalled a 380-meter-long floating barrier covering the entire approach to the reef, restricting access to the area, the coast guard wrote. Despite Beijing’s “intimidation and provocations,” the Philippine ships continued their patrols.
Last September, the Philippine Coast Guard had already removed a Chinese-built floating barrier on a part of the reef discovered during a routine patrol. Such chains of buoys are intended to prevent Filipino fishermen from entering the area, the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
Increasing militarization by Beijing
China claims virtually the entire South China Sea as its own. The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei also claim territory there. The resource-rich area is also considered an important global trade route. The US’s neighbors and China accuse Beijing of increasing militarization in the region.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
