Media: New maritime barrier raises tensions in South China Sea flashpoint

China is deploying ships and a floating barrier to tighten control over the entrance to the Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, amid escalating tensions with the Philippines over the disputed maritime feature, satellite imagery obtained by Reuters shows.

Scarborough Shoal is one of Asia’s most contested maritime flashpoints, where diplomats and analysts warn that long-standing frictions could potentially escalate into armed confrontation.

The imagery shows four fishing boats, a Chinese naval or coast guard vessel, and a newly installed floating barrier positioned across the entrance to the shoal. The Philippines has responded by deploying its own coast guard and fisheries vessels to support Filipino fishermen, who are frequently driven away by larger Chinese patrols.

Photographs taken on April 10 and 11 show fishing vessels anchored near the entrance, with a floating barrier spanning the shoal in the April 11 image. Satellite provider Vantor, formerly Maxar Technologies, said a probable Chinese naval or coast guard ship was observed just outside the entrance on April 10.

China’s defence ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the deployment or its timing.

The shoal, a traditionally rich fishing ground, lies within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, although Beijing also claims sovereignty over it. Last year, China approved the establishment of a national nature reserve there, a move Philippine security officials described as “a clear pretext for occupation”.

Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Jay Tarriela said China had installed a 352-meter (1,150-foot) floating barrier at the entrance on April 10 and 11. “Six Chinese maritime militia vessels were observed within the shoal, while three others were spotted outside, seemingly obstructing the entrance to BDM,” he said, referring to the Philippine name Bajo de Masinloc, while China refers to it as Huangyan Island.

Tarriela added that while Philippine authorities have previously cut similar barriers, the latest one appears to have been removed since the weekend, though patrols continue. “According to our assessment in the past, they consistently exhibit suspicion whenever they monitor a group of Filipino fishing boats,” he said.

Philippine Navy spokesperson Roy Trinidad said ten Chinese coast guard vessels were sighted at the shoal between April 5 and April 12.

Despite competing claims, sovereignty has never been fully resolved, and the shoal remains effectively under Beijing’s control, although Philippine vessels continue to operate in the area.

In January, the Philippines and the United States conducted joint naval patrols near the shoal in the 11th such exercise by the treaty allies. Military cooperation has intensified under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who has strengthened ties with Washington in response to China’s growing presence in the South China Sea.

Large-scale joint military exercises involving thousands of troops from both countries are scheduled this month across the Philippine archipelago, including in Zambales, located about 120 nautical miles from Scarborough Shoal.

Diplomats say the drills are being closely watched amid concerns that China could exploit perceptions that the United States is distracted by the Iran conflict and efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz.

China has maintained a coast guard and fishing fleet presence at the shoal since seizing it in 2012 after a standoff with the Philippines. Manila alleges that maritime militia vessels operate among Chinese trawlers in disputed waters, though Beijing has not acknowledged this.

A 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration supported Manila on several South China Sea issues, but did not determine sovereignty over Scarborough Shoal. The tribunal found that China’s blockade violated international law, as the area is a traditional fishing ground for multiple nations, including China, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

By Vafa Guliyeva