Philippines vows to remove floating barrier placed by China at a disputed lagoon
Philippines vows to remove floating barrier placed by China at a disputed lagoon
The Philippine coast guard has complied with a presidential order to remove a floating barrier placed by China’s coast guard at a disputed shoal in the South China Sea. The barrier was erected to prevent Filipino fishing boats from entering a lagoon.
Barrier removal aligns with international law and Philippines’ sovereignty
The decisive action taken by the Philippine coast guard to remove the floating barrier aligns with international law and asserts the Philippines’ sovereignty over the shoal. The Philippine coast guard remains committed to upholding international law, safeguarding the welfare of Filipino fisherfolk, and protecting the rights of the Philippines in its territorial waters.
China’s claim of sovereignty and Philippine response
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin stated that the shoal and its adjacent waters are China’s inherent territory, with indisputable sovereignty. However, the Philippine National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano argued that the barrier placement violated the traditional fishing rights of Filipino fishermen. The Philippines asserts its territorial rights and opposes China’s claims in the disputed area.
Removal operation details and reaction
The Philippine coast guard successfully removed the floating barrier in a special operation. The exact details, such as whether the entire barrier was removed, the date of the operation, and the Chinese coast guard’s reaction, were not provided. Videos released by the Philippine coast guard show a diver cutting part of the barrier rope and a man attempting to lift a section of the barrier.
The Philippines’ efforts to fight China’s increasingly aggressive actions in the South China Sea demonstrate their determination to protect their territorial rights despite the challenges they face.
