The Philippine Coast Guard announced on the 26th that China had recently dismantled the floating barrier it had installed near Scarborough Reef (Chinese name: Huangyandao) in the South China Sea.
Philippine Coast Guard spokesman Jay Tariella said in a media interview on the 26th that Philippine authorities cut about 300 meters of the barrier the day before and removed an anchor attached to the barrier.
While the dismantlement operation, which the Philippines referred to as a “special operation,” was underway, four Chinese Coast Guard ships remained nearby but were not aggressive, Tariela explained.
He said the Philippines will continue to take all necessary measures to maintain its presence in the region.
It is known that the barrier discovered by the Philippine Coast Guard during a routine patrol on the 22nd was mainly installed and removed by the Chinese Coast Guard to monitor large-scale fishing activities in the water area.
Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said in a regular briefing that day, “China is firmly protecting its sovereignty over Huangyan Island and maritime rights,” and advised the Philippines not to provoke provocations or cause conflict.
The Philippines filed a complaint with China over the territorial dispute in the South China Sea with the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in 2013, and the PCA ruled in 2016 that China’s territorial claims in the area were unfounded under international law.
VOA News
*This article references Reuters.
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2023-09-26 15:10:00
