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Philippines accuses China's forces of harassing fisheries vessels in the South China Sea

39 Comments
By JIM GOMEZ

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And it's important to observe non-UN recognized Taiwan has an 11-dash line in the SCS and has a claim that, by coincidence, is practically mirrors (actually larger) as Beijing's.

How odd.

-18 ( +1 / -19 )

The use of a PLA Navy copter could potentially raise the stakes here. Not very grey zone, is it?

11 ( +13 / -2 )

Oh, look everyone: it's China's famous "peaceful rise" and "win-win cooperation" again.

China has zero claim to this area, as proven by the UNCLOS tribunal. China is a rogue state that does not abide by international law.

The Philippines will be bringing a second case soon too: this time for environmental destruction. China will, of course, ignore that too, but these rulings are still vital as they prove that the Philippines is right, and China is dead wrong.

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/philippines-pick-venue-second-south-china-sea-case-beijing-4891766

9 ( +12 / -3 )

Notice the article doesn't mention the hallowed (and disputed by several actors) UNCLOS ruling...

That's because, if you look at a map, this is in an entirely different area than say, the South Thomas Shoal.

You really need to read the article thoroughly, consult a map along with some background research before making sweeping - and false - statements.

The plot thickens - the Philippines-occupied island mentioned in the article was invaded by said country in 1971 and forcibly seized from Taiwan province. The former annexed it that year.

-14 ( +1 / -15 )

clarification - annexed it by presidential decree in 1978.

-12 ( +1 / -13 )

JJEToday 03:29 pm JST

I see you're still going to bat for the CCP, doing your bit as the junior partner. Good that you know your place.

And it's important to observe non-UN recognized Taiwan has an 11-dash line in the SCS and has a claim that, by coincidence, is practically mirrors (actually larger) as Beijing's.

And it's important to observe that Taiwan's historical claim does not excuse China's behavior in any way.

Several countries have claims, but they don't resort to state-sponsored piracy like China.

Notice the article doesn't mention the hallowed (and disputed by several actors) UNCLOS ruling...

China "disputes" the ruling because it doesn't respect international law. The decision is binding upon China (which has ratified the treaty), no matter what lies it spouts.

...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_China_Sea_Arbitration#Award

China's claims to historic rights, or other sovereign rights or jurisdiction, with respect to the maritime areas of the South China Sea encompassed by the relevant part of the 'nine-dash line' are contrary to the Convention and without lawful effect to the extent that they exceed the geographic and substantive limits of China's maritime entitlements under the Convention. The Convention superseded any historic rights or other sovereign rights or jurisdiction in excess of the limits imposed therein.

11 ( +13 / -2 )

Objective truth - the UNCLOS ruling doesn't 'apply' to the islands mentioned in this article.

Indeed, examination of it, including the unprovoked invasion by Manila and subsequent annexation of mentioned island - which in effect becomes a US staging post - exposes the whole rotten show of encroachment by proxy. Indeed, it was annexed by Bongbong's father, Ferdinand.

-10 ( +1 / -11 )

JJEToday 03:29 pm JST

And it's important to observe non-UN recognized Taiwan has an 11-dash line in the SCS and has a claim that, by coincidence, is practically mirrors (actually larger) as Beijing's.

It's important to observe that Taiwan has more recognition than russia's disgraces and the PRC has to fit that huge badonkadonk under Taiwan's skirt apparently.

5 ( +8 / -3 )

They will get UN recognition before the province! Watch.

-8 ( +1 / -9 )

JJEToday 03:47 pm JST

Notice the article doesn't mention the hallowed (and disputed by several actors) UNCLOS ruling...

Because Peking just disregards it. Not much point in reminding people that Peking has never been operating within the realm of UNCLOS.

That's because, if you look at a map, this is in an entirely different area than say, the South Thomas Shoal.

You are right: it is a different island also nowhere near China.

You really need to read the article thoroughly, consult a map along with some background research before making sweeping - and false - statements.

All you have to do is look at a map to see that China is a ridiculous country.

The plot thickens - the Philippines-occupied island mentioned in the article was invaded by said country in 1971 and forcibly seized from Taiwan province. The former annexed it that year.

It's not an inhabited island and the Chinese should be no where near the area, let alone harassing ships.

7 ( +9 / -2 )

JJEToday 04:05 pm JST

Objective truth - the UNCLOS ruling doesn't 'apply' to the islands mentioned in this article.

You are right: it applies to all of the waters around the islands where the incident occurred.

Indeed, examination of it, including the unprovoked invasion by Manila and subsequent annexation of mentioned island - which in effect becomes a US staging post - exposes the whole rotten show of encroachment by proxy. Indeed, it was annexed by Bongbong's father, Ferdinand.

None of which makes China illegal activities legal.

5 ( +8 / -3 )

JJEToday 04:13 pm JST

They will get UN recognition before the province! Watch.

In my lifetime you think?

4 ( +8 / -4 )

Just south (repeat south) of where the activity reported in article occurred, happens to be an island administered by Taiwan province.

How odd. Surely those activities are completely legal and above board. Anyone?

-8 ( +1 / -9 )

JJEToday 04:24 pm JST

Just south (repeat south) of where the activity reported in article occurred, happens to be an island administered by Taiwan province.

How odd. Surely those activities are completely legal and above board. Anyone?

At what point do you realize you are trying to hide behind a country with low UN recognition and convince us this is an argument?

6 ( +9 / -3 )

Not hiding behind a country but a province, for clarification.

The incident happened north of Taiping Island, administered by the authorities of that province.

Thitu Island is the Philippine occupied island mentioned in the article.

Important to consult a map.

-9 ( +1 / -10 )

JJEToday 04:33 pm JST

Not hiding behind a country but a province, for clarification.

The incident happened north of Taiping Island, administered by the authorities of that province.

Thitu Island is the Philippine occupied island mentioned in the article.

Important to consult a map.

Important to consult a map to reveal these are international waters all of them.

5 ( +8 / -3 )

JJEToday 04:42 pm JST

Is Taiwan province acting lawfully in the South China Sea? That really is the big question here.

The country of Taiwan is not free to change several things about its territory because it has a gun to its head.

6 ( +9 / -3 )

the Philippine coast guard said Saturday

Simply not credible. Let’s put thing into context: 

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-deploys-typhon-missile-launchers-new-location-philippines-2025-01-23/

Only few days ago the US deployed Typhon missile launchers to a new location in the Philippines, promising investments for few billions of dollars (of weapons) to threaten China.

-10 ( +0 / -10 )

Trump cancelling aid will draw China in to fill the void.

Probably a safer partner than the USA under Trump.

Agreements and treaties now meaningless.

-4 ( +3 / -7 )

@GuruMick It certainly would benefit the Filipino people, long suffering and still poor, if the PH government focused on the needs of the people.

-7 ( +1 / -8 )

China enforcing it's claims.

As a forceful response the US will remind the Philippines and China of its ironclad commitment to it's defense treaty with the Philippines.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Fos

Today 04:50 pm JST

the Philippine coast guard said Saturday

> Simply not credible. Let’s put thing into context:

> https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-deploys-typhon-missile-launchers-new-location-philippines-2025-01-23/

> Only few days ago the US deployed Typhon missile launchers to a new location in the Philippines, promising investments for few billions of dollars (of weapons) to threaten China.

Marcos agreeing to the deployment makes a Philippines a prime target for China.

But marcos wasn't even invited to trump's inauguration and xi was?

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

Ian above ..."ironclad " and Trump as POTUS dont jell well in any sentence nor scenario.

Trump will make decisions based on his personal stake....and I think China is "trumps "

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

If Marcos isn't important enough to be invited you think the us will go to war with china over the south china sea disputes?

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

ian

ironclad commitment to it's defense treaty with the Philippines

You mean more signing of US military investments in Manila in exchange of America made weapons orders from the Philippines as a sign of gratitude, to increase the warmongering campaign of the US big industrial military complex? Sure, that is the plan

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

deanzaZZRToday 05:01 pm JST

@GuruMick It certainly would benefit the Filipino people, long suffering and still poor, if the PH government focused on the needs of the people.

Allowing them to fish their rightful waters free from piracy is taking care of their people. Also China is closer to the Philippines than the US in wealth.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

FosToday 04:50 pm JST

the Philippine coast guard said Saturday

Simply not credible. Let’s put thing into context: 

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-deploys-typhon-missile-launchers-new-location-philippines-2025-01-23/

Only few days ago the US deployed Typhon missile launchers to a new location in the Philippines, promising investments for few billions of dollars (of weapons) to threaten China.

Don't harass your neighbors and they might not turn to others for protection.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Fos

Today 05:48 pm JST

ian

> ironclad commitment to it's defense treaty with the Philippines

> You mean more signing of US military investments in Manila in exchange of America made weapons orders from the Philippines as a sign of gratitude, to increase the warmongering campaign of the US big industrial military complex? Sure, that is the plan

Hahaha the emphasis should be on remind

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

I cant see any country going to war on anothers behalf over fishing rights.

Rare minerals maybe, but not fish.

Unless the campaign was sold as "Operation Freedom Fishy " or similar....then the American people might get on board.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Unless the campaign was sold as "Operation Freedom Fishy

The US administration did it before, in the same area: 1964

The Gulf of Tonkin incident based on fabricated lies which started the Vietnam War:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulf_of_Tonkin_incident

As we all know the US State department has a track record of promoting manipulative narratives

-7 ( +0 / -7 )

FosToday 07:17 pm JST

As we all know

You use this phrase every day, often multiple times.

If we already "all know" whatever it is you're posting, why repeatedly post it?

4 ( +6 / -2 )

deanzaZZRToday 05:01 pm JST

@GuruMick It certainly would benefit the Filipino people, long suffering and still poor, if the PH government focused on the needs of the people.

I am quite sure that Philippines defending the rights of Philippines fishermen to fish in their EEZ is doing exactly that. Looking out for the little guys trying to make a living.

China acting like modern day pirates.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Peter14

Today 09:07 pm JST

deanzaZZRToday 05:01 pm JST

> @GuruMick It certainly would benefit the Filipino people, long suffering and still poor, if the PH government focused on the needs of the people.

> I am quite sure that Philippines defending the rights of Philippines fishermen to fish in their EEZ is doing exactly that. Looking out for the little guys trying to make a living.

> China acting like modern day pirates.

If china are like modern day pirates to you based on skirmishes like one in this article how would you characterize Australia, the US and the rest of the gang invading Iraq and murdering hundreds of thousands of its people based on nothing but lies.

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

Truth is the US has almost 800 overseas bases including in Guam, Diego Garcia, ROK and Japan that ring China. The US fleet, with Australian, Japanese and South Korean support, regularly patrols off the China coast. 

That America holding war games in those waters halfway around the world from it is miraculously not threatening, but China holding war games practically in sight of Chinese territory is seems rather an illogical proposition.

-6 ( +0 / -6 )

FosToday 11:02 pm JST

Truth is the US...

Slightly different wording; usual tu quoque. Yawn.

The US did not make China illegally occupy and militarize the SCS, or harass law-abiding ships, or threaten Taiwan, or commit any of the other aggression it is committing.

China did.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

FosJan. 25 11:41 pm JST

I am sure anybody can do better and find more credible sources for these “alleged skirmishes” between Filipinos fishermen and China vessels in the SCS.

I am surprised that we keep quoting the Philippines Coast guard as a credible actor for such a relevant case. Like we said before "it does smells quite a lot of the Tonkin Incident". 

The thing is now it’s 2025 and even Colin Powell lies are history. And yet quite relevant to this day.

Washington never learns

The China apologist expects us to believe that Filipinos go out to ram China ships and have their digits amputated by their compatriots to complete the story:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxpONENEaWI

The important thing to note is that the China ships shouldn't even be there.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

FosJan. 25 11:02 pm JST

Truth is the US has almost 800 overseas bases including in Guam, Diego Garcia, ROK and Japan that ring China. The US fleet, with Australian, Japanese and South Korean support, regularly patrols off the China coast. 

That America holding war games in those waters halfway around the world from it is miraculously not threatening, but China holding war games practically in sight of Chinese territory is seems rather an illogical proposition.

Truth is, this is completely irrelevant to China's piracy in the SCS.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Taiwan has nothing to do with this AND they aren't harassing ships of other countries.

Same old, incorrect, talking, points, as usual.

China is raping the world's oceans. They have fishing ships around the world that sit outside the EEZ of countries until night, then they turn off their beacons, run into the EEZ and illegally fish in waters they shouldn't be anywhere near. I fear that until 50+ Chinese fishing vessels are sunk for this behavior, they will continue. Or the vessels need to be captured, crews shipped back to China and the ships converted into Coast Guard vessels to protect the EEZ waters for countries around the world.

https://usa.oceana.org/press-releases/oceana-analysis-shows-chinas-fishing-fleet-swarms-galapagos-then-disappears-from-sight/ Peru, Chile and Argentina all got together.

South Africa seems to be the new "hot spot" for illegal Chinese fishing. Fines in 2020 for illegal fishing: https://www.gov.za/news/media-statements/environmental-affairs-fines-chinese-fishing-trawlers-being-south-african

and https://www.dw.com/en/chinese-fishing-fleets-in-indian-ocean-accused-of-abuses/a-68977775

"This isn't a handful of bad actors or captains. What we're seeing is a fleet-wide issue on the Chinese distant-water fleet," he said.

Fines for illegal commercial fishing need to match the cost of the ship doing the fishing.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

how would you characterize Australia, the US and the rest of the gang invading Iraq and murdering hundreds of thousands of its people based on nothing but lies.

I would call that a huge exaggeration.

*"Iraqi combatant dead (invasion period): 7,600–45,000[67][68]*

*Insurgents** (post-Saddam)*

*Killed**: 26,544+ killed by Coalition and ISF forces (2003–11), excludes inter-insurgent fighting and noncombat losses[f]*

(4,000 foreign fighters killed by Sep. 2006, all causes)[72]"

"Documented deaths from violence:

Iraq Body Count (2003 – 14 December 2011): 103,160–113,728 civilian deaths recorded[75] and 12,438 new deaths added from the Iraq War Logs[76]

Associated Press (March 2003 – April 2009): 110,600 Iraqi deaths in total[77]"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iraq_War

These figures include sectarian violence related deaths of Iraqi v Iraqi over 8 years. Combatant deaths during combat is not murder.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

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