A Philippine non-governmental organization, Atin Ito, is organizing an expedition involving fishermen to waters near China’s Huangyan Dao, also known as Scarborough Shoal, according to recent reports from the Philippines. The initiative aims to exercise what the group claims are fishing rights within their territory.
The planned voyage is said to include around 200 participants, comprising volunteers, journalists, and observers. By involving media personnel, the action has drawn attention and raised concerns about potential escalations in the already sensitive South China Sea region.
The Chinese government has expressed apprehension over the initiative, viewing it as a possible provocation that could undermine efforts to maintain peace and stability in the area. Historical tensions between China and the Philippines over territorial claims in the South China Sea have often been a source of regional friction.
One notable incident in the past involves the Philippine Navy vessel BRP Sierra Madre. In May 1999, the ship ran aground near China’s Ren’ai Jiao (Second Thomas Shoal). Despite commitments made by the Philippines to remove the vessel, it remains in place and has been a point of contention between the two nations.
In 2003, then-Philippine Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs Franklin Ebdalin affirmed that the Philippines had no intention of constructing facilities on Ren’ai Jiao and emphasized adherence to the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC). Similarly, in 2013, then-Philippine Secretary of National Defense Voltaire Gazmin stated that the Philippines was merely resupplying the grounded vessel and would not build structures on the shoal.
The current situation highlights ongoing challenges in the South China Sea, where multiple nations have overlapping territorial claims. Efforts to manage disputes through dialogue and adherence to international agreements remain critical to ensuring regional stability.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
