South China Sea Storm! China's Scarborough Shoal floating barrier wars Philippine fishing boats, and a small island surrounded by thousands of blue seas on the edge of the South China Sea has caused a storm of international attention. Scarborough Shoal, located at the eastern end of the South China Sea, has been one of the focal points of conflict between China and the Philippines since ancient times. As an important node in the South China Sea, its geographical location is very sensitive, not only controlling the entrance and exit of Subic Bay in the Philippines, but also a symbol of China's sovereignty in the South China Sea. However, the latest scene has shocked the entire Asia-Pacific region.
On February 22, Maxar Technologies, a commercial satellite company, released a shocking set of shocking images showing that China had installed a floating barrier at the only entrance to Scarborough Shoal! What does this mean? Is this China's counterattack to the Philippines? This news is like a bombshell, arousing attention and heated discussions at home and abroad.
Scarborough Shoal has been the focus of contention in the South China Sea since ancient times. Its special geographical location not only has a unique natural harbor, but also a commanding height of geopolitics. China and the Philippines have been in fierce competition for this water. In particular, after the Scarborough Shoal incident in 2012, the Chinese coast guard stepped in with a tough posture, forcing the Philippines to abandon its presence on the islands and reefs. However, the Philippines has not given up its ambitions at Scarborough Shoal, and has frequently trespassed into Chinese waters over the years in an attempt to regain lost territory. China, on the other hand, is also strengthening its control over the South China Sea to safeguard its maritime rights and interests.
The latest scene, however, was unexpected. The Philippines has changed its tactics and instead of using coast guard vessels, camouflaged fishing boats have tried to enter Scarborough Shoal. This little clever approach is amazing, but China has not left the Philippines the slightest chance. Before the Philippines could react, China had blocked the only entrance to Scarborough Shoal, installing floating barriers and cutting off access for Philippine fishing boats. This move not only caught the Philippines off guard, but also attracted the attention of the international community.
In the face of China's tough measures, the Philippines has to try to create pressure internationally. Philippine Coast Guard spokesman Tarilla accused the Chinese coast guard of violating the international law of the sea and threatening and hindering the movement of Philippine vessels, and demanded that China withdraw from these floating barriers as soon as possible. However, Mao Ning, a spokesman for China, responded: "Scarborough Shoal is China's inherent territory. In the event that the Philippines has repeatedly violated the waters off China's Scarborough Shoal, China has the right to take all necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. ”
The development of the Scarborough Shoal incident has not only touched the nerves of China and the Philippines, but also plunged the entire Asia-Pacific region into tension. Scarborough Shoal is not only an island, but also a microcosm of the South China Sea issue. China's hardline stance demonstrates its determination to safeguard national sovereignty and has also led the outside world to re-examine China's position on the South China Sea issue. The Philippines' disruptive behavior not only poses a threat to regional stability, but also exposes its geopolitical ambitions.
Scarborough Shoal seems to be an ordinary island, but it carries too much history and reality. It is not only part of the South China Sea, but also a symbol of China's maritime rights. China will continue to take all necessary measures to defend its maritime rights and interests and maintain stability and peace in the South China Sea. The Philippines should also recognize the situation, stop its provocative acts, and work with China to maintain regional peace and tranquility. The future of the South China Sea is related to the future of the entire Asia-Pacific region, and we hope that all parties can work together to build a harmonious homeland in the South China Sea.
1] The West hyped up the entrance barrier to the lagoon of Huangyan Island, **China had to take necessary measures Global Times [2] Fu Ying: Historical Evolution and Practical Thinking of the Situation in the South China Sea China News Weekly.