China Deploys "Floating Barrier" in Scarborough Shoal, Raising Tensions in the South China Sea

By IndraStra Global News Team

Cover Image Attribute: The floating barrier is pictured on September 20, 2023, near the Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. The Philippine Coast Guard released the handout image on September 24, 2023.

The China Coast Guard (CCG) has taken an unannounced step by installing a 300-meter-long floating barrier in the southeast sector of Scarborough Shoal, which has raised concerns over territorial disputes and access to fishing grounds. According to a statement released by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Sunday, this barrier effectively blocks Philippine fishing boats from entering the area.
The floating barrier was discovered during a routine maritime patrol conducted by personnel from the PCG and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on board the BRP Datu Bankaw vessel on September 22.
During the patrol, BFAR observed the presence of more than 50 Philippine fishing boats in the vicinity of Scarborough Shoal, also known as Bajo de Masinloc. In response, the BFAR provided the Filipino fishermen with grocery items and fuel subsidies to support their operations. However, tensions escalated when the CCG-3105 vessel initiated 15 radio challenges in an attempt to drive away the BFAR vessel and the fishing boats.
In a statement, the PCG explained, "The CCG crew alleged that the presence of the BFAR vessel and Filipino fishermen violated international law and the domestic laws of the People's Republic of China."

Image Attribute: The Chinese Coast Guard boats near the floating barrier are pictured on September 20, 2023, near the Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, in this handout image released by the Philippine Coast Guard on September 24, 2023.

The floating barrier was installed by three CCG Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats and a service boat from the Chinese Maritime Militia, who arrived in response to the BFAR vessel's presence in the vicinity of the shoal.
According to information gathered from Filipino fishermen, CCG vessels often install floating barriers when they monitor many Filipino fishermen in the area.
In response to these developments, the Philippine Coast Guard and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources issued a joint statement condemning the installation of the floating barrier in the southeast sector of Bajo de Masinloc.
During a press briefing, Jay Tarriela, spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, expressed concerns over the floating barrier, describing it as a "navigational hazard." He explained that there is a risk that fishing boat propellers might become entangled with the nets beneath the barrier.
"Ang tendency, if you're going to insist on going to the shoal, maaaring kainin ng propeller ‘yung mga net na nasa ilalim," he said. [Translation: The tendency is, if you're going to insist on going to the shoal, the propeller might catch the net underneath.]
Tarriela also noted that underwater cameras revealed using small buoys to keep the barrier afloat. Despite the presence of the barrier, Filipino fishermen may still be able to fish in areas surrounding Scarborough Shoal.
The installation of this floating barrier raises concerns about ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea and further complicates the already delicate situation in the region. Both Philippine and Chinese authorities will need to address these issues diplomatically to prevent any escalation of tensions.


EDITORIAL NOTE: China asserts control over 90% of the South China Sea, a claim that intersects with the exclusive economic zones of Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, and the Philippines. In 2012, Beijing took control of Scarborough Shoal, displacing Filipino fishermen who had to venture farther for reduced catches.
During a period of improved bilateral relations under former President Rodrigo Duterte, Beijing permitted Filipino fishermen to return to the uninhabited shoal. However, tensions have resurged following the inauguration of his successor, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., last year.

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