Philippines Protests China’s Actions Over Scarborough Shoal Dispute
The Philippines government has expressed strong opposition to China’s recent actions in the South China Sea, particularly around the Scarborough Shoal. The Philippines accused China of violating its sovereignty by declaring baselines around the disputed shoal, which is within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
China’s move aims to strengthen its territorial claims over the area, which has been under Chinese control since 2012. The Philippine Presidential Office for Maritime Concerns criticized this action as a continuation of China’s illegal seizure of the shoal.
A spokesperson from China’s foreign ministry defended the move, stating it was a lawful step consistent with international law. However, in 2016, a UN arbitration tribunal rejected China’s claims over the reefs in the South China Sea, including the Scarborough Shoal.
The Scarborough Shoal, also known as Bajo de Masinloc, is a triangular-shaped line of reefs located 125 nautical miles from Luzon, the main island of the Philippines. It is claimed by the Philippines, China, and Taiwan.
Under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), a baseline is a line that parallels a country’s coastline, used to measure distances for territorial seas and other maritime zones.
Doubts Revealed
Philippines -: The Philippines is a country in Southeast Asia made up of many islands. It is located in the western Pacific Ocean.
China -: China is a large country in East Asia, known for its vast population and rich history. It is one of the world’s most powerful nations.
Scarborough Shoal -: The Scarborough Shoal is a group of small islands and reefs in the South China Sea. It is an area that several countries, including the Philippines and China, claim as their own.
South China Sea -: The South China Sea is a large sea in Southeast Asia. It is important for trade and has many islands and reefs that different countries claim.
Sovereignty -: Sovereignty means having control or authority over a territory or area. When a country has sovereignty, it means they have the right to govern themselves and make their own laws.
Baselines -: Baselines are lines drawn along the coast of a country to define the starting point for measuring the sea area that belongs to that country. They help determine the boundaries of a country’s territorial waters.
UN tribunal -: A UN tribunal is a special court set up by the United Nations to resolve disputes between countries. In this case, it was used to decide on the claims over the South China Sea.
Luzon -: Luzon is the largest and most populous island in the Philippines. It is where the capital city, Manila, is located.
Taiwan -: Taiwan is an island located near China. It has its own government and is claimed by China as part of its territory.
Nautical miles -: A nautical mile is a unit of distance used in the sea and air. It is equal to about 1.85 kilometers.
