China Accused of Deploying New Floating Barrier at Scarborough Shoal

New Barrier Reported at Disputed Shoal

China has reportedly deployed another floating barrier across the mouth of the lagoon at Scarborough Shoal, also known as Bajo de Masinloc or Panatag Shoal, drawing strong protests from Philippine officials and local fishermen. Recent satellite imagery from October 2025 showed what appeared to be a barrier in place, further escalating tensions in the contested South China Sea. This follows earlier reports in March 2025 by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) that Chinese vessels had reinstalled floating barriers in the same area.

Philippine Officials Condemn Actions

Philippine officials have vehemently condemned the reinstallation of the barrier, asserting that it infringes upon the Philippines' sovereign rights and impedes the livelihood of its fishermen. The shoal lies approximately 220 kilometers west of the Philippines' Zambales province and is well within the Philippines' 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ), as recognized by the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The PCG and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) have consistently stated that such barriers are a clear violation of international law and pose a hazard to navigation. Filipino fishermen have reported that these barriers prevent them from accessing the rich fishing grounds within the lagoon, directly impacting their ability to conduct fishing and livelihood activities.

Recurring Incidents and International Ruling

The deployment of floating barriers by China at Scarborough Shoal is a recurring issue. In September 2023, the China Coast Guard installed a 300-meter-long floating barrier, which the Philippine Coast Guard subsequently removed under orders from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Another barrier was observed via satellite imagery in February 2024. China claims nearly the entire South China Sea, including Scarborough Shoal, which it refers to as Huangyan Dao, as its 'inherent territory.' However, an international arbitral tribunal in The Hague ruled in 2016 that China's claims had no legal basis, a decision Beijing has consistently rejected.

Escalating Maritime Tensions

The repeated deployment of floating barriers underscores the ongoing and escalating maritime tensions between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea. These actions are viewed by Manila as attempts to assert control over the disputed atoll and restrict access for Filipino vessels. The Philippines continues to assert its rights and maintain its presence in the area, often leading to confrontations with Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militia vessels. The international community closely monitors these developments, given the strategic importance of the South China Sea for global trade and regional stability.