China’s navy has conducted “combat readiness patrols” near the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. According to state-run news outlet Xinhua, the Southern Theatre Command of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) conducted the drills in the “territorial waters and airspace of China’s Huangyan Island and surrounding areas” throughout May. The PLA stated that the drills aimed to “further strengthen the control of relevant sea and air areas, resolutely defend national sovereignty and security, and resolutely maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea”.
The Scarborough Shoal, a rocky islet claimed by the Philippines, is located 220km west of Luzon, the nearest landmass. Beijing seized the territory, a traditional fishing ground, from Manila in 2012. Despite a 2016 international tribunal ruling that Beijing’s claims had no legal basis under international law, China continues to assert its sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea.
In related news, South Korean officials announced the discovery of three new Chinese buoys installed near overlapping waters with South Korea, bringing the total number of such devices installed by China in the Yellow Sea to 13. A Ministry of Defence official stated, “[We] are closely monitoring activities within the provisional maritime zone [PMZ], including China’s unauthorised installation of structures, and will closely [cooperate] with relevant agencies to protect our maritime sovereignty”.
Tensions have grown between Beijing and Seoul as China has repeatedly erected installations in the waters, including observation buoys and a fixed steel structure. Last week, China declared three no-sail zones within the zone, believed to be for military training purposes, causing concern in Seoul over potential Chinese military activity.
The move is seen as a further escalation of China’s claims in the South China Sea, a vital trade route with rich fishing grounds and potential oil reserves. The Philippines has consistently challenged China’s assertions, taking the case to an international tribunal in 2016, which ruled in favor of Manila.
The ruling, however, has not deterred China from continuing to assert its claims, leading to increased tensions in the region. The US has also expressed concerns over China’s actions, with the State Department calling for Beijing to respect the tribunal’s ruling and refrain from provocative behavior.
The situation remains volatile, with both sides maintaining a strong presence in the disputed waters. The international community is closely watching the developments, aware that any miscalculation could lead to a wider conflict. Diplomatic efforts are ongoing to find a peaceful resolution, but so far, little progress has been made.
The South China Sea is a critical waterway, with over $3 trillion in trade passing through it annually. The region’s importance extends beyond economic interests, as it is also a vital route for naval vessels and a rich source of marine biodiversity. The ongoing dispute has raised concerns about the impact on the environment and the livelihoods of those who depend on the sea.
As tensions continue to simmer, the need for a diplomatic solution becomes increasingly urgent. The international community must work together to find a peaceful resolution that respects the rights of all parties involved. The alternative is a potentially devastating conflict that would have far-reaching consequences for the region and beyond.