Satellite images of the much-disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea have revealed a recent development: the presence of a new floating barrier situated across the atoll's entrance. This barrier is positioned near the area where Philippine vessels and Chinese coast guard ships have frequently encountered each other. Despite the fact that the Scarborough Shoal falls within the Philippines' 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone, China asserts its claim over the area.Â
A particular image captured by Maxar Technologies on February 22, which was subsequently reviewed by Reuters, showcased the barrier obstructing the mouth of the shoal. This location is where the Chinese coast guard recently alleged that it had repelled a Philippine vessel that had allegedly encroached into what China perceives as its waters. In response to China's assertions, the Philippines, which had deployed a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel to the shoal for patrolling purposes and to supply fuel to Filipino fishermen in the vicinity, rebutted China's claims as being "inaccurate" and maintained that its activities in the area were lawful.
In 2016, an international arbitration tribunal in the Hague ruled that China's claims regarding the Scarborough Shoal were legally unfounded—a decision that Beijing has adamantly rejected. Consequently, the shoal remains one of the most fiercely contested maritime features in Asia, serving as a focal point for disputes concerning sovereignty and fishing rights.
The recently obtained satellite image corroborates a report and accompanying video released by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Sunday, which depicted two inflatable boats belonging to the Chinese coast guard deploying floating barriers at the entrance of the shoal on February 22. The PCG noted that a China coast guard vessel had trailed the BFAR vessel, engaged in maneuvers to impede its progress approximately 1.3 nautical miles off the shoal, and closely monitored its activities.
Jay Tarriela, a spokesperson for the Philippine Coast Guard, remarked that the barrier was likely intended to obstruct Philippine government vessels, as similar barriers are routinely installed whenever the presence of Filipino vessels is detected in the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc, Manila's designation for the shoal.
Responding to these developments, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning reiterated China's claim over the shoal, known as "Huangyan Dao" in Chinese, describing it as an inherent part of China's territory. Mao accused the Philippine side of engaging in actions that infringed upon China's sovereignty within the waters of the shoal.
Subsequently, another satellite image revealed what Maxar Technologies described as a "possible interception of a BFAR vessel" at the Scarborough Shoal by Chinese forces. This incident underscores the ongoing tensions surrounding the area and the competing claims of sovereignty.
In light of these recent events, experts suggest that the situation at the Scarborough Shoal may be entering a new phase characterized by heightened tensions. China's efforts to curtail Filipino activities in the area are viewed by some as illegal, particularly in the wake of the 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling that affirmed the fishing rights of both countries in the vicinity. As such, Manila's actions are seen as a legitimate defense of the rights of Filipino fishermen.
The Scarborough Shoal holds strategic significance due to its abundant fish stocks and the presence of a picturesque turquoise lagoon, which provides a sheltered harbor for vessels during inclement weather conditions.
Following the departure of the BFAR vessel, the Philippines reported that the Chinese removed the barrier after a few hours. However, the exact nature of the barrier and its potential to impede larger warships remained unclear based on the available photographs.
In a commentary published on Sunday, China's state-media outlet Global Times criticized the Philippines for allegedly undermining the goodwill extended by Beijing to Manila, which had allowed Philippine fishermen to operate in the vicinity of the shoal. The commentary warned that if such provocations persisted, China might be compelled to take more assertive measures to manage the situation.
