Philippines protests China’s floating structure in disputed Scarborough Shoal

Territorial disputes in the South China Sea have remained a source of tension for years. Several countries claim parts of the strategically important waters, which are rich in fish and crossed by major shipping routes. The Scarborough Shoal has been one of the most contested areas in the region.

Structure appears to be manned

The Philippines has taken diplomatic action against China after discovering what it described as an illegal floating structure inside the disputed Scarborough Shoal, reports Reuters.

According to the Philippine South China Sea task force, the structure measured about six by six meters and appeared to include an antenna. Military images also suggested that the platform was manned.

Officials said the object was first seen near the entrance to the shoal before later appearing inside the lagoon. The task force did not specify when the images were taken.

Philippine authorities said the country’s foreign ministry had already responded through diplomatic channels. They stressed that protecting national sovereignty and maritime rights remains a top priority.

The government also said it would continue taking actions that are consistent with international law and the country’s interests.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro previously revealed that he had received reports about the structure during the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on May 30.

The task force said it is closely monitoring the situation. Officials are still assessing the purpose of the installation and any possible consequences.

Chinese presence since 2012

Satellite images obtained by Reuters on June 5 confirmed that a structure had been positioned at the entrance to the lagoon. However, later images showed that it had disappeared.

Scarborough Shoal lies around 200 kilometers west of the Philippines and about 874 kilometers from China’s Hainan Island. The area is an important fishing ground for several countries.

China has maintained a regular presence around the shoal since 2012 through coast guard and maritime militia vessels.

China refers to the area as Huangyan Island. While sovereignty over the shoal remains disputed, an international arbitration tribunal ruled in 2016 that China’s blockade of the area violated international law. The ruling also stated that the waters around the shoal have traditionally been used as fishing grounds by several nations.

Despite the decision, tensions over the area continue to persist.

This article is made and published by Anna Hartz, who may have used AI in the preparation