China Accused of Water Cannoning Philippine Vessels in South China Sea
Table of Contents
MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Coast guard (PCG) has strongly condemned the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) after two Philippine vessels were subjected to water cannon attacks near Scarborough Shoal (also known as Bajo de masinloc) in the South China sea. The incident has further heightened tensions in the disputed waters, with the Philippines asserting its sovereign rights within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Details of the Incident
On Friday, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) deployed four ships to provide essential supplies, including fuel and goods, to Filipino fishermen operating near Bajo de Masinloc. However, two of these BFAR vessels, BRP Datu Tamblot and BRP Datu Taradapit, were aggressively targeted by CCG vessels 4203 and 3105. The water cannon attacks occured approximately 15.6 nautical miles (NM) and 18.1 NM from the shoal. These actions prompted a strong rebuke from the PCG, which accused China of violating Philippine sovereignty [[1]].
Did You Know? The Permanent Court of Arbitration in The hague ruled in 2016 that China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea have no legal basis.
Philippine Response and Legal Basis
Commodore Tarriela of the PCG emphasized that the location of the incident falls well within the Philippines’ EEZ,approximately 106 to 110 nautical miles from the coastline of Zambales. He asserted that Filipinos have the undeniable right to exploit the resources within these waters, notably fishing. The Philippines maintains that its actions, including the deployment of BFAR and Coast Guard personnel, are fully aligned with the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the sea (UNCLOS), and the 2016 arbitral Award [[2]].
Key Legal Frameworks
- Philippine Maritime Zones Act: Defines the maritime zones of the Philippines and its sovereign rights within those zones.
- UNCLOS: Establishes the legal framework for all activities in the oceans and seas, including EEZs.
- 2016 arbitral Award: Invalidated China’s claims to historic rights within the “nine-dash line” in the South China Sea.
Marcos Administration’s Stance
The deployment of BFAR vessels is part of the Marcos administration’s broader strategy to bolster food security by safeguarding the rights and safety of Filipino fishermen in the West Philippine Sea. Despite the recent incident, Tarriela affirmed that the BFAR mission would continue, focusing on the distribution of essential goods to fishing communities. As of today, BFAR vessels are en route to Sual, Pangasinan, and other areas in the West Philippine Sea.
Pro Tip: Monitoring maritime traffic and utilizing satellite imagery can provide autonomous verification of incidents in the South China Sea.
Geopolitical Context
The South China Sea is a strategically vital waterway, with overlapping territorial claims from several countries, including China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei. China claims almost all of the South China Sea, including areas within the EEZs of other coastal states. These claims are based on past grounds, which were rejected by the international tribunal in 2016. The region is rich in natural resources, including oil and gas reserves, and is a major shipping route for global trade [[3]].
| country | Claim | Basis of Claim |
|---|---|---|
| China | Almost all of the South China Sea | Historical rights (rejected by international tribunal) |
| Philippines | Areas within its EEZ | UNCLOS, 2016 Arbitral Award |
| Vietnam | Paracel and Spratly Islands | Historical claims, UNCLOS |
| Malaysia | Parts of the Spratly Islands, continental shelf | UNCLOS |
| Brunei | Southern part of the South China Sea | UNCLOS |
What are the potential long-term consequences of these escalating tensions? How can international law be more effectively enforced in the South China Sea?
Evergreen Insights: South China Sea Disputes
The south China Sea dispute is a complex issue rooted in competing territorial claims, historical narratives, and strategic interests. The area is crucial for global trade, with trillions of dollars worth of goods passing through its waters annually. The presence of valuable natural resources, including oil and gas, further intensifies the competition among claimant states. Understanding the historical context, legal frameworks, and geopolitical dynamics is essential for navigating this ongoing conflict.
FAQ: South China Sea Tensions
- What is the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)?
- An EEZ is a sea zone prescribed by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) over which a state has special rights regarding the exploration and use of marine resources, including the production of energy from water and wind.
- What is UNCLOS?
- The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is an international agreement that establishes a legal framework for all marine and maritime activities.It defines the rights and responsibilities of nations with respect to their use of the world’s oceans, establishing guidelines for businesses, the environment, and the management of marine natural resources.
- What is the significance of the 2016 Arbitral Award?
- The 2016 Arbitral Award, issued by the Permanent Court of Arbitration, invalidated China’s expansive claims to historic rights within the “nine-dash line” in the South China Sea. The tribunal found that China’s claims were inconsistent with UNCLOS.
- What are the main concerns regarding Scarborough Shoal?
- Scarborough Shoal is a contested area in the South China Sea, claimed by both the Philippines and China.The main concerns revolve around access to fishing grounds, freedom of navigation, and the potential for further escalation of tensions.
- How dose the South China Sea dispute affect international relations?
- The South China Sea dispute has meaningful implications for international relations, particularly between China and other claimant states, as well as the United States and its allies. The dispute raises concerns about freedom of navigation, the rule of law, and regional stability.
Stay informed and join the conversation! Share your thoughts on this developing situation and subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on the South China Sea and other global events.
