Chinese Navy Helicopter Buzzes Philippine Vessel at Scarborough Shoal
The Philippines released a video that it described as dangerous footage of a Chinese helicopter approaching a Philippine Fisheries Bureau vessel near Scarborough Shoal. Manila claims that on Tuesday, a Chinese navy helicopter was within 10 feet from a Philippine fishing vessel. The incident raised concerns regarding maritime safety as well as escalating tensions in the region.
Scarborough Shoal and Its Importance
The Scarborough Shoal (also known as Bajo de Masinloc in local dialect) is at the center of the South China Sea conflict. The traditional fishing grounds are located approximately 140 miles to the east of Luzon Island. This places them firmly in the Philippines exclusive economic zone. China, however, claims to be the sole owner of this shoal and a large portion of the South China Sea based on historical rights. Its broad claim is at odds with that of Vietnam and other countries, including Malaysia, Brunei Indonesia Taiwan, the Philippines, Brunei and Brunei.
The Incident Details
The incident, according to the spokesperson for the Philippine Coast Guard Jay Tarriela occurred just before 9:00 a.m. The Chinese helicopter was in contact with the fisheries bureau aircraft carrying coastguard personnel, journalists and other media during a surveillance over Scarborough Shoal. Video released shows that the Chinese navy helicopter flew dangerously near the port side aircraft of the Philippines.
Tarriela called the actions reckless and said that they posed serious risks to the safety for the passengers and pilots. The Philippine Coast Guard and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources are committed to asserting Philippine sovereignty and rights in the West Philippine Sea, Manila’s name for that portion of South China Sea located within Manila’s EEZ, despite China aggressive action.
China’s response
Chinese Southern Theater Command released a press release claiming that the Philippine Cessna 208 plane had “illegally invaded” Chinese airspace. China repeated its control claim over Scarborough Shoal, or Huangyan Island (in Chinese). The Chinese navy’s Southern Theater Command accused the Philippines in a statement of trying to make an illegal claim for sovereignty by using military provocation and misleading information.
This incident is not unique. In January, the Chinese military helicopter flew close to a Philippine team conducting scientific surveys near Sandy Cay. This is another controversial feature of the South China Sea.
The Legal and Geopolitical context
China has effectively controlled Scarborough Shoal since a heated standoff that took place in 2012. UNCLOS grants coastal state exclusive rights over resources in their EEZ that extends 200 nautical miles beyond their coastline. Beijing does not accept the UNCLOS while the Philippines does. The Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague ruled in 2016 that China’s claims to the South China Sea were invalid.
China’s aggressive activities, such as the use of water-cannons or ramming against Philippine vessels have been repeatedly criticized by Washington. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the Mutual Defense Treaty between the U.S., and Philippines “ironclad.” This agreement demonstrates the U.S.’s commitment to Philippine security as China asserts itself more.
Expert Analysis
The Chinese military has limits. After the clash on June 17, I think the Zhongnanhai top leaders will be more careful not to push the envelope beyond the breach. Even if the recent behavior seems to have been designed to not only pressure Manila, but to also test the U.S. reaction under the current Administration.
Future Trajectory
China and the Philippines are not expected to make any concessions on territorial disputes in the near future. Philippines may continue to patrol the West Philippine Sea while strengthening its alliances and relations with other regional and international partners. China, meanwhile, is expected to keep a large naval presence on the South China Sea to reinforce their claims and demonstrate its power. This dispute has been a flashpoint for the entire region. There are implications on international law, maritime safety, and U.S. China relations.
Philippine Coast Guard