The Philippines has stepped up patrols in the disputed South China Sea ahead of the rollout of a new Chinese regulation that empowers its coast guard to detain foreigners accused of trespassing.
The regulation, which is effective from Saturday, marks a further escalation in tensions in the fiercely contested waterway, which is one of the world’s most economically important and busiest trading routes.
China’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, has said the regulations are intended “to standardise the administrative law-enforcement procedures of Coast Guard agencies and better uphold order at sea,” and that “individuals and entities have no need for concern as long as they have not done anything illicit.”
Under the updated legislation, foreigners accused of illegally entering Chinese waters can be detained for up to 60 days without trial.
The Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has previously described new Chinese regulations as worrisome and an “escalation of the situation”.
He has also said that if any Filipino citizen is killed “by a wilful act” this would be very close to “an act of war”.
China claims almost 90% of the South China Sea – though an international tribunal in The Hague has rejected this. The Philippines, as well as Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan also have overlapping claims.
There are growing concerns that as maritime confrontations in the waters increase, so too does the risk of a miscalculation that could inadvertently provoke conflict.
The Philippines has repeatedly accused China of dangerous behaviour, including firing water cannon and ramming its boats to disrupt Philippine Coast Guard missions. Such incidents have drawn warnings from the US, which has said it would defend the Philippines, a treaty ally, in the event of an armed attack on its public vessels, aircraft, and armed forces or its Coast Guard in the South China Sea.
Representatives of fishing groups have told Philippine media this week they are fearful about being detained at sea, but have no option but to continue as their livelihoods depend upon it.
China’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, has said the regulations are intended “to standardise the administrative law-enforcement procedures of Coast Guard agencies and better uphold order at sea,” and that “individuals and entities have no need for concern as long as they have not done anything illicit.”
