Reports confirm that a group of officially organized Philippine fishing ships recently trespassed into waters near China’s Huangyan Dao, also known as Huangyan Island, in the South China Sea. Sources familiar with the matter state that these actions, perceived as repeated provocations against China’s sovereignty, could prompt China to take more effective measures to control the situation.
The Philippines has been accused of abusing China’s goodwill by repeatedly violating China’s sovereignty and jurisdiction over islands and reefs in the South China Sea since 2023. Despite China allowing Philippine fishermen to operate temporarily near Huangyan Dao, the recent intrusion with officially organized civilian ships funded by official subsidies raises concerns about escalating maritime tensions.
Photos obtained by the Global Times show over a dozen Philippine vessels gathered near Huangyan Dao, with the China Coast Guard (CCG) present at the scene. Experts warn that if such provocations persist, China may be forced to take stronger measures to address the situation.
Ding Duo, Deputy Director at the Research Center for Ocean Law and Policy, National Institute for South China Sea Studies, pointed out that Philippine officials instigated fishermen by providing them free fuel to break into China-controlled areas. The two countries had reached a consensus during Rodrigo Duterte’s presidency in 2016, allowing temporary arrangements for Filipino fishermen near Huangyan Dao based on China’s goodwill.
However, since the second half of 2023, the Philippines has altered its South China Sea policy and relations with China, leading to the breakdown of the tacit understanding. The recent actions by Philippine fishing boats, accompanied by a government vessel, have prompted the China Coast Guard to repel the intruding ship, according to Gan Yu, a CCG spokesperson.
Lei Xiaolu, a law professor at Wuhan University, emphasized that while the CCG statement didn’t mention the activities of Philippine fishermen, China’s goodwill toward fishing activities and determination to defend its sovereignty were clear. Lei urged the Philippines to honor the “gentlemen’s arrangement” and avoid using fishermen to aggravate the situation, particularly if it values the livelihoods of those in the fishing industry.