Philippines and China dispute borders in South China Sea
The Philippines continue to fight with China over disputed waters in the South China Sea (photo from open sources)
The Philippines' foreign ministry summoned the Chinese ambassador on Wednesday, November 13, to protest against Beijing's establishment of baseline coordinates around the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, reports Reuters.
“The said baselines infringe upon Philippine sovereignty and contravene international law,” the ministry's statement said.
The Philippines' response came after China on Sunday, November 10, defined a baseline of territorial waters around the shoal, which Beijing refers to as Huangyan Island. The shoal is a key point of contention between the two countries over sovereignty and fishing rights.
In response to the Philippine foreign ministry's statement, China's ambassador Huang Xilian said that the baseline was a necessary response to the Philippines' new maritime legislation, as well as a routine measure to strengthen maritime governance.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. last week signed the Maritime Zones Act and the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act to bolster the country’s maritime claims and strengthen its territorial integrity.
Shortly after the laws were signed, China summoned the Philippine ambassador for formal statements.
Huang reiterated China’s objections to the new laws, warning that Beijing would take necessary measures to protect its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.
“We urge the Philippines to immediately cease any unilateral actions that could escalate disputes and complicate the situation, and to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea,” the embassy's statement said.
Tension in the South China Sea
China claims nearly all of the South China Sea, a vital waterway through which over $3 trillion in maritime trade passes annually. Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam also have territorial claims over parts of the sea and this waterway.
Tensions between China and the Philippines over the South China Sea have steadily risen throughout this year, particularly regarding the status of Scarborough Shoal. Additionally, Beijing has been critical of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s policy, as he has opted for closer ties with the US.
In March, China’s coast guard fired water cannons at Philippine vessels in disputed waters of the South China Sea. Several individuals were injured in the incident.
In August, China's coast guard forced a Philippine coast guard vessel and another ship to leave the Scarborough Shoal area.
In response, Manila urged Beijing to stop all provocative actions in the South China Sea.
The Philippines also accused a Chinese military vessel of destroying coral reefs near the Second Thomas Shoal.
