China Coast Guard Takes Action Against Philippine Fishing Vessels in South China Sea

The Philippine Fishing Vessels' Intrusion into Houteng Jiao Waters

In November 2024, a group of Philippine fishing vessels, led by a mothership carrying barrels of fresh water and fuel, attempted to conduct illegal activities in the waters around China's Houteng Jiao in the South China Sea. The China Coast Guard (CCG) took necessary measures to manage and control the situation.

Photos obtained by the Global Times from the CCG vessels revealed that the so-called Filipino fishermen were not just ordinary fishermen. Their vessels were organized in a formation, with the mothership acting as a command and replenishment ship. This suggests that the vessels were not engaged in regular fishing activities but rather had the intention of conducting illegal activities for an extended period.

Experts believe that the Philippines violated China's jurisdiction and restrictions by sending vessels to trespass reefs and surrounding waters, including Houteng Jiao, and illegally remaining in the area. These actions were not motivated by fishing but served the goal of political manipulation by the Philippine government.

The Philippines' actions are seen as an attempt to provoke risks and escalate the situation regarding the South China Sea issue. They are also seen as an attempt to smear China in the international public opinion sphere and curry favor with a specific external country.

However, experts believe that the Philippines' attempts to expand its presence in the South China Sea have no chance of success. China has already established considerable management and control capabilities over the relevant islands, reefs, sands, and nearby waters in the South China Sea.

Furthermore, other parties involved in the South China Sea issue and other countries in the region have reached a consensus on managing the situation, reducing risks, avoiding external interference, and working together for development. The Philippines' actions are seen as unwise and misjudged.

The Marcos Jr administration is criticized for disregarding the genuine demands of its own people and its national interests. It is also criticized for continuously stirring up tensions in the South China Sea and attempting to drag China-Philippines relations into an irreparable situation.

Experts believe that the Marcos Jr administration's self-serving approach, which submits itself to an external power while going against the consensus and interests of countries in the region, is bound to be unpopular and its objectives are unlikely to be realized.