Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) ships closely followed a group of Filipino activists and fishermen as they sailed towards a disputed shoal in the South China Sea, an area fiercely guarded by Beijing against intruders.
The Philippine Coast Guard deployed patrol ships and a light plane to monitor the group of approximately 100 individuals who departed from Zambales province to assert Manila’s sovereignty over Scarborough Shoal. Several journalists accompanied the three-day voyage.
In addition, the navy sent a ship to assist in monitoring the participants.
As the four wooden boats carrying the Filipinos approached the shoal, at least two CCG ships began shadowing them at nightfall. Despite this, the participants remained determined and continued on their course, chanting “Atin Ito” meaning “This is ours” in Tagalog.
The group is prepared to reach the shoal on Thursday morning, where they plan to lay down symbolic territorial buoys and offer support to Filipino fishermen in the surrounding waters.
Organizer Rafaela David emphasized that the mission is peaceful, grounded in international law, and focused on asserting their sovereign rights.
In light of past incidents, where China seized Scarborough Shoal and clashed with Philippine vessels, tensions remain high in the region.
Despite an international tribunal ruling in favor of the Philippines in 2016, China rejects the outcome and continues to assert its territorial claims in the South China Sea.
The recent confrontation between the Philippines and China at Scarborough Shoal resulted in damaged vessels and heightened tensions, raising concerns of a potential armed conflict.
While other countries in the region also face maritime disputes with China, the Philippines has actively sought international support by publicizing its encounters with Chinese forces at sea.
The ongoing skirmishes underscore the fragile state of affairs in the South China Sea, with fears of escalation looming between China and the United States, a key ally to the Philippines.