HONG KONG/MANILA. Satellite images obtained by Reuters have revealed the presence of a newly erected floating barrier at the entrance of the fiercely contested Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. The barrier, positioned near the area where Philippine vessels and Chinese coast guard ships have frequently clashed, adds a new dimension to the ongoing tensions in the region.

One of the images captured by Maxar Technologies on February 22 showcased the barrier obstructing the entrance to the shoal. This development follows a recent incident where the Chinese coast guard claimed to have repelled a Philippine vessel allegedly trespassing into what Beijing considers its territorial waters.

The Philippines, however, contested China’s assertions, asserting that its activities in the area, including the deployment of a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel to patrol the shoal and provide fuel to Filipino fishermen, were entirely lawful. The Scarborough Shoal falls within the Philippines’ 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone, although China disputes this claim, rejecting a 2016 international arbitration tribunal ruling that invalidated its claims.

The presence of the floating barrier aligns with reports and footage released by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Sunday, illustrating two Chinese coast guard inflatable boats installing barriers at the shoal’s entrance on February 22. The PCG further revealed that a Chinese coast guard vessel trailed the BFAR vessel, engaged in “blocking maneuvers” approximately 1.3 nautical miles off the shoal, and closely monitored its movements.

“We can assume that (the barrier) is intended for Philippine government vessels because they install it every time they monitor our presence within the BDM vicinity,” stated Jay Tarriela, a spokesperson for the Philippine Coast Guard, referring to Bajo de Masinloc, Manila’s name for the shoal.

Responding to inquiries, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning reiterated China’s claim over the Scarborough Shoal, emphasizing it as “China’s inherent territory.” She accused the Philippines of recent actions violating China’s sovereignty in the area, asserting China’s right to take necessary measures to defend its territorial sovereignty and maritime interests.

The satellite images also captured what Maxar Technologies described as a “possible Chinese interception of a BFAR vessel” at the Scarborough Shoal.

The Scarborough Shoal’s significance lies in its rich fish stocks and a picturesque turquoise lagoon, making it a prized asset for fishing and a shelter during storms.

The barrier, reportedly removed by Chinese authorities shortly after the departure of the BFAR vessel, raises questions about its durability and potential impediment to larger vessels, including military ships.

Analysts suggest that the recent developments at the Scarborough Shoal may mark Beijing’s response to Manila’s assertiveness under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who took office in June 2022. The Philippines has challenged China’s activities in the region, particularly its attempts to obstruct Filipino fishermen and hinder the resupply of Filipino troops stationed at Second Thomas Shoal.

“The 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling gave fishermen from both countries the right to fish there. Manila is merely supporting the legitimate rights of Filipino fishermen,” stated Ian Storey, a senior fellow at Singapore’s ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute.

The situation remains tense, with both sides asserting their claims and the international community closely monitoring the evolving dynamics in the South China Sea.