NEW DELHI: New regulations enacted by China’s coast guard on Saturday have stirred international concerns, allowing the detention of foreigners for alleged trespassing in the disputed South China Sea. This move comes amidst accusations from neighboring countries and the G7 of Beijing’s increasing intimidation and coercion in the region.
China asserts control over almost the entire South China Sea, dismissing competing claims from Southeast Asian nations, including the Philippines, and disregarding an international ruling that deems its stance legally unfounded.The Chinese coast guard, alongside other vessels, patrols these waters and has transformed several reefs into militarized artificial islands. This has led to numerous confrontations between Chinese and Philippine ships in contested zones.
Under the new regulations, the Chinese coast guard can detain foreigners “suspected of violating management of border entry and exit,” with detention permissible for up to 60 days in “complicated cases.” The rules specify that “foreign ships that have illegally entered China’s territorial waters and the adjacent waters may be detained,” as reported by AFP.
In response, Manila has criticized the Chinese coast guard’s actions as “barbaric and inhumane.” Last month, President Ferdinand Marcos expressed deep concern, calling the new regulations a “very worrisome” escalation. The Chinese coast guard has previously deployed water cannons against Philippine vessels and caused collisions injuring Filipino troops.
Philippine military chief General Romeo Brawner emphasized that measures are being discussed to safeguard Filipino fishermen. He encouraged them to continue fishing within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) without fear.
The Group of Seven (G7) on Friday condemned China’s “dangerous” incursions in the South China Sea. A statement from the G7 summit read, “We oppose China’s militarization, and coercive and intimidation activities in the South China Sea.”
The South China Sea, a crucial maritime route, sees trillions of dollars in ship-borne trade annually and is believed to contain vast unexploited oil and gas reserves. It also serves as a vital fishing area for the region’s growing populations. The area is claimed in parts by Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei, alongside China and the Philippines.
Recent confrontations between China and the Philippines have raised fears of a broader conflict potentially involving the United States and other allies. The US Navy frequently conducts freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea, challenging Beijing’s territorial claims, which China views as infringements on its sovereignty. This has led to a series of close encounters between Chinese and US forces.
China has defended its new coast guard regulations as measures to “better uphold order at sea.” The Chinese defense minister recently warned that Beijing’s restraint in the South China Sea has its “limits.”
The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, given the strategic and economic significance of the South China Sea.
China asserts control over almost the entire South China Sea, dismissing competing claims from Southeast Asian nations, including the Philippines, and disregarding an international ruling that deems its stance legally unfounded.The Chinese coast guard, alongside other vessels, patrols these waters and has transformed several reefs into militarized artificial islands. This has led to numerous confrontations between Chinese and Philippine ships in contested zones.
Under the new regulations, the Chinese coast guard can detain foreigners “suspected of violating management of border entry and exit,” with detention permissible for up to 60 days in “complicated cases.” The rules specify that “foreign ships that have illegally entered China’s territorial waters and the adjacent waters may be detained,” as reported by AFP.
In response, Manila has criticized the Chinese coast guard’s actions as “barbaric and inhumane.” Last month, President Ferdinand Marcos expressed deep concern, calling the new regulations a “very worrisome” escalation. The Chinese coast guard has previously deployed water cannons against Philippine vessels and caused collisions injuring Filipino troops.
Philippine military chief General Romeo Brawner emphasized that measures are being discussed to safeguard Filipino fishermen. He encouraged them to continue fishing within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) without fear.
The Group of Seven (G7) on Friday condemned China’s “dangerous” incursions in the South China Sea. A statement from the G7 summit read, “We oppose China’s militarization, and coercive and intimidation activities in the South China Sea.”
The South China Sea, a crucial maritime route, sees trillions of dollars in ship-borne trade annually and is believed to contain vast unexploited oil and gas reserves. It also serves as a vital fishing area for the region’s growing populations. The area is claimed in parts by Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei, alongside China and the Philippines.
Recent confrontations between China and the Philippines have raised fears of a broader conflict potentially involving the United States and other allies. The US Navy frequently conducts freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea, challenging Beijing’s territorial claims, which China views as infringements on its sovereignty. This has led to a series of close encounters between Chinese and US forces.
China has defended its new coast guard regulations as measures to “better uphold order at sea.” The Chinese defense minister recently warned that Beijing’s restraint in the South China Sea has its “limits.”
The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, given the strategic and economic significance of the South China Sea.