Current Affairs

Issue

More than 200 Chinese fishing vessels have been stationed at the Whitsun reef in the South China Sea.

 

Background

The Whitsun reef is a part of Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone but China claims it as its own territory under the nine dash line.

 

Details

• Philippines has been extremely vigilant and has increased the presence of naval ships in order to keep a vigil over the vessels.

• If China becomes successful in establishing its presence, Philippines is expected to lose another fishing ground after the Scarborough shoal.

 

Chinese aggression

• China has been accused of exploiting the crisis to increase its expansionist behaviour in South China Sea. It had sunk a Vietnamese fishing vessel and stopped Malaysian oil exploration.

• The USA had deployed its naval resources to prevent China from increasing its aggressiveness.

 

The dispute

• Many South-East Asian countries along with China have had a long dispute in South China Sea. The region is supposed to contain large amount of petroleum and also marine resources.

• The main issue is regarding adhering to Exclusive Economic Zone principle of international law. China has been ignoring the law for its own gains.

• China has cited its historical and unaccounted nine dash line to claim the whole region. The arbitration process gave judgement in favour of Philippines but China has rejected the judgement.

• There has been a concern that China may twist rules according to its needs. In future, it may convert the shoal into a residential zone and claim it.

• Considering that fishermen have low resources to station at a place without operating, the move looks to be a deliberate attempt by Chinese officials.