Row between Philippines and China over South China Sea

In recent days, a row between the Philippines and People’s Republic of China has escalated over the floating barrier in the disputed area of South China Sea. 

On Sunday, the Philippines slammed China for installing a “floating barrier” in a disputed area of the South China Sea. The authorities in the Philippines said that the “floating barrier” prevented Filipino boats from entering the sea, condemning the Chinese coast guard. 

On Monday, the Philippines’ national security advisor said that the authorities would take appropriate action to remove the barriers from the sea. The statement drew sharp criticism from China.

What’s happening between the Philippines and China over South China Sea?

On Sunday, the Philippines shared images of a floating barrier from the South China Sea to give proof to China that the barrier blocked Filipino boats. The photos showed blocking of the fishing vessel in the Scarborough Shoal. The Philippines authorities said it would do everything to protect the rights of its fishermen.

Eduardo Año, the National Security Adviser of the Philippines, said, “We condemn the installation of floating barriers by the Chinese coast guard.” Eduardo Año also accused China of violating the traditional fishing rights of the Filipino fishermen.

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On Friday, the Philippine coast guard spokesperson Jay Tarriela discovered the floating barrier. Subsequently, the Philippine coast guard and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources slammed China. 

After the allegations, China defended the installation of a “floating barrier” in the sea. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the Chinese coast guard adopted the measures in accordance with the law to move away a Philippine vessel.

Wang Wenbin, the spokesman for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, made the comments on 25 September. He justified the installation of the barrier in the disputed area. He further accused the Filipino vessel of “intruding” in the sea without taking permission.

South China Sea

China has repeatedly said it has claims on the South China Sea. However, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam have also made claims on the disputed area. Vietnam calls the sea “East Sea.”