Report: Satellite Shows Barrier at South China Sea Shoal
The Facts
According to a Reuters report, satellite images show a new floating barrier across the entrance of the Scarborough Shoal — an area in the South China Sea that has seen frequent disputes between Chinese and Philippine ships.
The Philippine Coast Guard released last week footage featuring Chinese coast guard boats installing barriers around the atoll allegedly to block Philippine government vessels and fishermen, amid allegations that Beijing has used cyanide in their fishing activities at the shoal.
The Spin
Pro-China narrative
As the Philippines has consistently violated Chinese sovereignty over the Scarborough Shoal, Beijing had no other option than to set up this barrier across the entrance of the atoll to help protect its own maritime rights and interests. If such provocations persist, then China will be forced to take additional measures.
Anti-China narrative
Since Beijing captured the Scarborough Shoal more than a decade ago, its coast guard vessels have harassed Philippine vessels and blocked access to fishing operations. Because these moves are part of its broader, aggressive campaign in the South China Sea, it's no coincidence that its neighbors are now pursuing deeper ties with the West.
