The Chinese Foreign Ministry confirmed that a floating barrier now blocks the entrance to the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, a move that will further inflame tensions with the Philippines, which also claims the atoll as its own.
The Reuters news service published satellite images taken last Thursday that clearly show a floating barrier at the mouth of the atoll. Then, on Monday, a Reuters correspondent in Beijing asked Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning to confirm the presence of the barrier, which she did.
“In response to a series of moves by the Philippines in the waters of Huangyan Dao that infringe on China’s sovereignty, China is compelled to take necessary measures to firmly safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests,” Mao said, using the Chinese name for Scarborough Shoal.
Philippines maritime authorities confirmed they’re aware of the barrier at Scarborough Shoal but have not indicated as to how they are going to respond.
This is the second time the Chinese have installed a floating barrier near Scarborough Shoal. Last September, the Philippine Coast Guard cut the line that was intended to keep Philippine fishing vessels from accessing the area.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT? The fact that Mao so quickly acknowledged the installation of the barrier is notable, given that Beijing barely acknowledged the installation of the first barrier last fall. Regardless, the move is the latest in a near-daily tit-for-tat between China and the Philippines that will further roil ties between the two countries.
SUGGESTED READING:
- South China Morning Post: Chinese floating barrier at South China Sea flashpoint was ‘necessary’, Beijing says by Liu Zhen
- Reuters: Satellite images reveal floating barrier at mouth of disputed atoll in South China Sea by Greg Torode and Karen Lema
