China Deploys Barrier And Patrol Vessels To Block Access To Scarborough Shoal As Tensions Rise With Philippines

China has deployed vessels and installed a floating barrier at the entrance of the Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, according to satellite images, as tensions continue with the Philippines over the disputed area.

Images taken on April 10 and 11 show four fishing boats anchored near the shoal’s entrance, alongside a Chinese naval or coast guard vessel.

A floating barrier was also seen stretching across the entrance in imagery captured on April 11.

Satellite provider Vantor, formerly Maxar Technologies, identified a probable Chinese patrol vessel positioned just outside the shoal a day earlier.

The Philippines continues to send coast guard and fisheries vessels to assist its fishermen, who are often forced to leave the area due to the presence of larger Chinese patrol ships.

Scarborough Shoal, a traditionally rich fishing ground, lies within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone but is also claimed by China. Despite competing claims, China has remained in control of the area.

Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Jay Tarriela said a 352-metre floating barrier was installed by Chinese authorities at the entrance on April 10 and 11.

He added that six Chinese maritime militia vessels were observed inside the shoal, with three more positioned outside, appearing to obstruct access to the area, locally known as Bajo de Masinloc.

Although Philippine forces have previously removed similar barriers, officials said the latest structure appeared to have been taken down by the Chinese side after the weekend. However, patrol operations by the Philippine Navy are continuing in the area.

Separately, Philippine Navy spokesperson Roy Trinidad stated that ten Chinese coast guard vessels were sighted around the shoal between April 5 and April 12.

Sovereignty over the shoal has never been formally established, but China has maintained control since 2012 following a standoff with the Philippines.

Since then, Chinese coast guard ships and fishing trawlers have remained deployed in and around the area. The Philippines has said some of these vessels are part of China’s maritime militia, although China has not confirmed this.

In January, the Philippines and the United States carried out joint exercises near the shoal, the 11th such drill between the two countries.

Military cooperation has increased under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who has strengthened ties with Washington in response to China’s expanding presence in the region.

Large-scale military exercises involving thousands of troops from both countries are expected to take place across the Philippine archipelago, including in Zambales, located about 120 nautical miles from the shoal.

Diplomatic observers are closely monitoring the situation, particularly amid concerns that China could act more assertively while global attention is partly focused on tensions in the Middle East, including efforts to secure shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.

A 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration supported the Philippines on several issues related to the South China Sea dispute.

However, the tribunal did not determine sovereignty over Scarborough Shoal. It did find that restrictions on access to the area violated international law, recognising it as a traditional fishing ground used by multiple countries, including China, the Philippines and Vietnam.

China’s defence ministry has not responded to queries regarding the timing or purpose of the latest deployment.

Reference: Reuters