Tensions have risen in the South China Sea as the Philippines recently accused China of harassing its vessels near the Second Thomas Shoal. This underwater reef is a site where the Philippines asserts its sovereignty by stationing a small number of troops aboard a grounded American ship from World War Two.
Harassment of Philippine Vessels
On June 30, Philippine coast guard boats were providing assistance during a naval operation when they encountered constant following, harassment, and obstruction by larger Chinese coast guard vessels. These incidents occurred near the Second Thomas Shoal, which is strategically claimed by the Philippines. The presence of Chinese navy ships in the area raised concerns as it falls within the Philippines’ 200-mile exclusive economic zone.
Strategic Importance of the Second Thomas Shoal
The Second Thomas Shoal, an underwater reef, holds significance for the Philippines as it serves as a site for asserting sovereignty. The country maintains a small number of troops stationed on a grounded World War Two-era American ship called the Sierra Madre. Resupply missions are regularly conducted to support the troops stationed there. China’s involvement and presence near the shoal have been viewed by the Philippines as acts of aggression.
China’s Response and Silence
China’s embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to the accusations made by the Philippines. In Beijing, during a regular briefing, the Chinese foreign ministry did not address the specific issue. China has previously stated that its coast guard conducts routine operations within what it considers its territorial waters, despite the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s 2016 ruling that invalidated China’s “nine-dash line” claim.
South China Sea Disputes
- The incident near the Second Thomas Shoal adds to the ongoing tensions in the South China Sea, a region where multiple countries have overlapping territorial claims. China’s claim to sovereignty over nearly the entire region, as depicted by the “nine-dash line” on its maps, has been a longstanding point of contention with neighboring countries such as Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia.
- The 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration dismissed China’s claim, emphasizing that it lacked a legal basis under international law. Despite this ruling, China has continued to assert control over the disputed waters, engaging in militarization efforts and challenging the freedom of navigation for other countries. The presence of Chinese vessels near the Second Thomas Shoal serves as a reminder of the unresolved tensions and territorial disputes in the region.