Despite repeated warnings from the United States, and President Obama holding discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the South China Sea issue ahead of the G20 Summit, China is consolidating its forces near the disputed region.
These provocations on China’s part are significant because they come in defiance of a ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration on 12 July, which said that no one country had sovereign rights over activity in the Scarborough Shoal, a traditional fishing ground for Chinese, Filipino and Vietnamese.
Earlier, Beijing had been urged by Obama to “abide by its obligations” to an international maritime treaty in dispute and the Hague international arbitrary court ruling. Chinese President Xi Jinping, however, maintained that China would continue to protect its sovereignty and maritime rights in the disputed waters.
Philippines Concerned About the Current State of Affairs
The Philippines on Sunday expressed “grave concern” and demanded an explanation from China’s Ambassador over what it said was an increasing number of Chinese boats near the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea.
A Philippines air force plane flew over the rocky outcrop on Saturday and spotted more boats than usual in a flotilla China has maintained since seizing the shoal after a tense standoff in 2012, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said.
There were four Chinese coastguard ships and six other vessels, including blue-coloured barges, around Scarborough Shoal... The presence of many ships other than coastguard in the area is a cause of grave concern.Delfin Lorenzana, Defense Secretary, Philippines
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte had expressed hope that China would abide by the ruling, but pledged not to raise the issue during the summit. However, the current deployment will only raise more concerns.
Although the shoal is merely a few rocks poking above the sea, it is important to the Philippines because of its tranquil waters and rich stocks of fish. Manila says China’s blockade of the shoal is in violation of international law.
Obama Snubbed For Stance on South China Sea
Increased Chinese presence in South China Sea comes after the recent snubbing of Obama at the G-20 summit.
From the moment the American contingent landed for the G20 summit, the Chinese made it clear that this was going to be a bumpy ride for the Americans.
From the American President’s very first step – which he could not take because there was no staircase provided for him to exit the plane – to his national security adviser Susan Rice being told off by a Chinese official who may or may not have mistaken her for a reporter, the message was loud and clear for Obama.
If this was not enough, the Chinese also barred Obama’s travelling press contingent to be part of his motorcade and turned down a request from the White House to hold a joint press conference with China’s President Xi Jinping.
(With agency inputs)
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