By Greg Torode and Karen Lema
HONG KONG/MANILA, April 15 (Reuters) – China is tightening its grip on the entrance to Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, using ships and a floating barrier, as tensions with the Philippines rise. This information comes from satellite images seen by Reuters.
Scarborough Shoal is one of the most disputed maritime areas in Asia, with fears from diplomats and analysts that ongoing tensions could potentially lead to armed conflict.
Recently, four Chinese fishing boats and a naval or coast guard vessel have been spotted alongside a new floating barrier as the Philippines sends its own coast guard and fishing vessels to protect local fishermen who are often chased away by larger Chinese patrols.
Photos taken on April 10 and 11 show fishing boats anchored at the entrance of the shoal, and a floating barrier extending across the water in images from April 11.
Satellite imagery from Vantor, previously known as Maxar Technologies, shows a likely Chinese patrol vessel positioned just outside the entrance on April 10.
The Chinese defense ministry has not yet responded to requests for comments regarding the presence of ships at the shoal or the timing of these moves.
TRADITIONAL FISHING AREA
Scarborough Shoal is a traditional fishing ground located entirely within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, but China claims it as its own territory. Last year, China established a national nature reserve there, which raised concerns among Philippine security officials who viewed it as a clear justification for occupation.
On Wednesday, Jay Tarriela, a spokesperson for the Philippine coast guard, reported that a 352-meter (1,150-foot) floating barrier was placed at the entrance on April 10 and 11. He noted that six Chinese maritime militia vessels were spotted inside the shoal while three others were blocking the entrance.
Tarriela mentioned the shoal by its Philippine name, Bajo de Masinloc, while China refers to it as Huangyan Island. Although Philippine coast guard has previously removed barriers, Tarriela stated that the latest barrier seems to have been taken out by the Chinese since the weekend, while patrols by the Philippine Navy have continued.
He added that whenever they observe Filipino fishing boats, there is visible suspicion from the Chinese side.
From April 5 to April 12, ten Chinese coast guard vessels were reported to be at the shoal, according to Roy Trinidad, a spokesperson for the Philippine Navy.
NO ESTABLISHED SOVEREIGNTY
Despite the conflicting claims, there is currently no established sovereignty over the shoal, which remains effectively under China's control, even while Philippine boats continue to attempt operations there.
This January, military drills between the Philippines and the United States occurred at the shoal as part of an ongoing partnership strengthened under Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who has aligned more closely with Washington in response to China's increased activities in the South China Sea.
Large-scale military exercises are set to take place throughout the Philippine archipelago this month, including in Zambales, located about 120 nautical miles from Scarborough Shoal.
Diplomats are observing these drills and rising tensions, worrying that China might exploit perceptions that the U.S. is preoccupied with issues in Iran and the reopening of the essential Straits of Hormuz.
Since taking control of the shoal in 2012 following a standoff, China has maintained its coast guard and fishing trawlers in the area. Manila claims that some Chinese vessels are part of a maritime militia operating in contested waters, although Beijing denies this.
A significant 2016 ruling from the Permanent Court of Arbitration supported Manila in various disputes over the South China Sea; however, it did not address the issue of sovereignty over Scarborough Shoal. The ruling stated that China's blockade violated international law since the area has historically been a fishing ground for multiple nations, including China, the Philippines, and Vietnam.