Chinese Vessels Sighted Near Scarborough Shoal Amid PH Aid Distribution

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) confirmed on Friday that several Chinese vessels were present in the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal, during a recent distribution of fuel subsidies and food packs to Filipino fishermen. Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, stated that Chinese ships were observed in the area on Thursday. According to Tarriela, a Chinese warship attempted a radio challenge to a PCG aircraft. The aircraft responded by asserting its lawful maritime patrol within Philippine maritime zones, in accordance with international law. "The continued presence of Chinese maritime forces in and around BDM, a traditional fishing ground of Filipino fisherfolk, remains inconsistent with the 2016 Arbitral Award and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)," Tarriela said. He added, "The Award affirmed that Bajo de Masinloc is a traditional fishing ground of Filipino fishermen and that China unlawfully prevented them from fishing there." The PCG conducted a maritime domain awareness flight over Bajo de Masinloc in support of the ongoing Kadiwa ng Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda mission, led by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). A total of 35 Filipino fishing boats were sighted receiving diesel fuel and food packs during this operation. Bajo de Masinloc is located 124 nautical miles off Masinloc, Zambales, and falls within the Philippines' 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Tensions persist in the South China Sea, where Beijing claims almost all of the waters, including parts claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei. This sea lane is crucial for over $3 trillion in annual shipborne commerce. The Philippine government has renamed parts of the South China Sea within its territory as the West Philippine Sea to reinforce its claims. The West Philippine Sea encompasses the maritime areas west of the Philippine archipelago, including the Luzon Sea and the waters around, within, and adjacent to the Kalayaan Island Group and Bajo de Masinloc. In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines over China's claims, stating they had "no legal basis." China has refused to recognize this decision. Source: GMA News Philippines