The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) successfully carried out a “special operation” to remove a floating barrier installed by the China Coast Guard at Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. The PCG took decisive action to remove the 300-meter-long floating barrier upon the orders of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The barrier, which was discovered by the PCG on September 22, posed a hazard to navigation and infringed on the Philippines’ sovereignty over Scarborough Shoal. According to PCG spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela, the barrier also deprived Filipino fishermen of their livelihood activities at the shoal.
A video shared by Mr. Tarriela showed PCG personnel cutting the barrier rope and pulling its anchor onto a motorboat. This action came a day after the PCG condemned the installation of the barrier by the China Coast Guard and maritime militia. It was stated that the Philippines would take all appropriate actions to remove the barrier. The Philippine Coast Guard and Fisheries Bureau personnel discovered the floating barrier during a routine maritime patrol, spotting China Coast Guard boats and a maritime militia service boat installing the barrier at Scarborough Shoal. Filipino fishermen informed the PCG that China Coast Guard ships often install floating barriers when they see a large number of fishermen in the area.
The Chinese vessels issued radio challenges to drive away the Fisheries Bureau and Filipino fishing vessels before moving away upon realizing the presence of media personnel onboard the Fisheries Bureau vessels. The Chinese Foreign Ministry defended the actions of the China Coast Guard, claiming China’s sovereignty over the island and its adjacent waters. However, Beijing’s maritime claims violate international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), of which China is a signatory.
Despite the 2016 ruling by the Hague Tribunal in favor of the Philippines, Beijing refuses to recognize it. Philippine President Marcos has vowed to uphold the country’s sovereign rights and has deepened ties with the United States. Under his leadership, the U.S. military has been granted increased access to Philippine military bases, and joint patrols in the South China Sea have resumed. These actions demonstrate the Philippines’ commitment to protecting its territorial sovereignty in the face of China’s encroachment.