Скачать или смотреть Philippines’ Struggle: China’s Blocking Maneuvers in the West Philippine Sea

China’s actions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) have escalated recently, involving blockades of Philippine resupply missions, patrol vessels, and aid delivery to Filipino fishermen. This is part of a broader strategy by China to assert control over disputed maritime territories, especially those within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Incidents such as Chinese coast guard and maritime militia “swarming” reefs like Rozul Reef, or the placing of floating barriers at Scarborough Shoal (Panatag Shoal), are illustrative.
What drives these maneuvers? Among reasons are resource access (fish, biodiversity), strategic positioning (controlling major maritime routes), and shaping narratives of de facto control. China seems to rely on “grey zone” tactics — harassment short of direct military conflict — to impose restrictions on Philippines’ operations without triggering open war. The Philippines has made formal protests, deployed coast guard and navy vessels, and launched initiatives like “Kadiwa para sa Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda” to support fisherfolk.
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The implications are significant. Blocking missions undermines the Philippines’ sovereign rights under international law (including the 1982 UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal ruling). It affects livelihoods of fisherfolk, weakens environmental protection, and increases diplomatic friction. The Philippines may respond with stronger coast guard patrols, seek alliances and international support, or use legal and diplomatic channels to assert its rights and expose these blockades.