Chinese Navy Tries To Establish Control Over Western Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone

In a significant escalation of its efforts to dominate the western Philippine exclusive economic zone (EEZ), the Chinese government has stated that the China Coast Guard (CCG) will be authorized to arrest and imprison anyone entering Chinese-claimed waters for up to 60 days without trial.

This decision comes amid escalating tensions in the disputed South China Sea, where an international arbitration ruling has confirmed Manila’s sovereignty.

Last week, Beijing announced that its coast guard would start detaining foreign nationals suspected of entering what it believes is its maritime territory.

The new regulations are clarified in a 92-page proclamation that goes into effect in mid-June.

It marks the first legal mechanism for detaining vessels and individuals under China’s broad maritime claims.

This declaration directly responds to the Philippines’ recent moves to restore regional sovereignty.

Despite a 2016 arbitral judgment from the Permanent Court of Arbitration rejecting China’s historical claims and recognizing the Philippine EEZ, Beijing has maintained control through coercive methods.

The Chinese Coast Guard and maritime force have maintained a regular presence near contested areas, using techniques like water cannons and aggressive maneuvering to prevent Philippine navigation.

The new declaration authorizes the Chinese Coast Guard to detain foreigners for 30-60 days without trial for alleged infractions of China’s exit and entrance control laws.

This strategy follows a recent civilian protest convoy to Scarborough Shoal, a rich fishing area off Luzon that China has controlled for over a decade.

Although the protest was partially successful in providing supplies to Philippine fishermen, Chinese patrol vessels pushed the fishermen and convoy vessels away.

According to the new laws, Chinese authorities may have intercepted and arrested the protestors.

Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela dismissed the new policy as illegal, claiming it would not interfere with the Philippines’ attempts to protect its interests.

Tarriela stated that China’s laws will not discourage the PCG and its forces from protecting the interests of the Filipino people.

Former Philippine Supreme Court Judge Antonio Carpio mentioned that holding Philippine nationals in their waters could result in another international arbitration dispute.

France Castro, a Philippine legislator, has called on Manila to expedite the filing of a case against China with the Permanent Court of Arbitration and the UN.

She stressed the necessity for international criticism of China’s disrespect for the 2016 arbitral decision and international law.

Chester Cabalza, a security analyst, highlighted Filipino fishermen’s perseverance and symbolic defiance of Chinese control.

He added that the main reason they went to Scarborough Shoal was to defend their fishing rights and our country’s sovereign rights.

Don McLain Gill, a geopolitical expert, denounced China’s strategy as unconstitutional under international law, accusing it of employing “lawfare” to promote exclusionary policies in the South China Sea.

As tensions rise, the Philippines continues to enforce its sovereignty by detaining a Sierra Leone-flagged ship with a Chinese crew on suspicion of unlawful activity.

The international community is keeping a careful eye on the intensifying situation in the South China Sea.

Reference: RFA, GMA Network

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