China installs barriers in South China Sea... Philippines vows to remove them by all means

Installation of Floating Barriers in Disputed Territorial Waters

China has installed a 'floating barrier' in the South China Sea, a region with territorial disputes. The Philippine government has announced a direct response to this, while the Japanese government has expressed strong opposition.

Foreign media such as the British BBC and the American CNN reported on the 24th (local time) that a Philippine Coast Guard vessel discovered the floating barrier in the waters around Scarborough Shoal (Chinese name: Huangyan Dao) during a maritime patrol on the 22nd. A Philippine Coast Guard officer aboard the vessel posted related photos, videos, and descriptions on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). The photos and videos showed scenes of three Chinese Coast Guard ships installing a floating barrier approximately 300 meters long, consisting of multiple buoys connected by ropes.

In May, the Philippine Coast Guard installed a buoy with a national flag in the South China Sea [Image source=Yonhap News]

Jay Tarriela, spokesperson for the Philippine Coast Guard (Brigadier General), criticized China’s installation of the barrier, stating that it has deprived local fishermen of their livelihoods. He also expressed the intention to remove the barrier to protect maritime rights and territorial sovereignty. Eduardo Ano, the Philippine National Security Adviser, issued a statement saying, "We will use all possible means to remove it." Meanwhile, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it took lawful measures to expel Philippine vessels from the disputed area.

Japan has criticized China. At a press conference on the 25th, Hirokazu Matsuno, Chief Cabinet Secretary of the Japanese government, said, "We are concerned about and closely monitoring China’s activities in the South China Sea," adding, "We strongly oppose any actions that escalate tensions in the South China Sea." He also stated, "We will cooperate with the United States and closely coordinate with the Philippines."