Starting this Saturday, China will enforce new rules allowing its Coast Guard to detain foreigners suspected of breaching entry and exit regulations in disputed areas of the South China Sea. These rules, published online, state that detainees could be held for up to 60 days without trial in complex cases. The detention period begins once the identity of the detained is confirmed. In addition, foreign ships entering China’s territorial waters illegally may also face detention with approval from higher Coast Guard authorities.
The tension primarily revolves around the Second Thomas Shoal, where Chinese and Philippine vessels have clashed. Beijing accuses Manila of grounding a navy ship illegally on the reef, a charge the Philippines denies. Despite diplomatic efforts, both nations remain steadfast, with the Philippines describing recent incidents as the most serious yet.
Responding to China’s new regulations, Manila has escalated patrols in the disputed area. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos has expressed concern, condemning China’s actions as illegal and aggressive. The Philippine coast has witnessed multiple confrontations, including the use of water cannons by Chinese Coast Guard vessels and collisions injuring Filipino troops.
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Internationally, the Group of Seven (G7) leaders have criticized China’s actions as “dangerous” in a draft summit statement. They oppose China’s use of coastguard and maritime militia in the South China Sea, highlighting concerns over obstruction of navigation freedom in international waters.
The South China Sea dispute involves multiple Southeast Asian nations contesting China’s expansive territorial claims. Despite international pressure, China continues to assert dominance in the region through regulatory and enforcement measures, raising tensions and prompting increased patrols and diplomatic protests from affected nations.
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