Joint naval exercises near disputed waters trigger fresh South China Sea drama
Philippines teamed-up with US and Japan for maritime drills near contested waters just after Chinese vessels used water cannons on Philippine boats. The move adds new chapter to long-running South China Sea dispute
The Philippines navy joined forces with US and Japanese vessels for sea-exercises in its economic zone this week (which extends roughly 370km from its shores). During drills‚ a high-tech US P-8A Poseidon aircraft BRP Andres Bonifacio ship and Japanese destroyer JS Samidare worked side-by-side to improve their team-work
This drill happened right after Chinese ships used water-cannons and hit Philippine boats near Scarborough Shoal (a disputed area thats been a hot-spot for years). A Chinese navy ship was also spotted following Philippine coast guard boats which made things even more complex
The South China Sea dispute involves many countries claims:
- Brunei wants its share
- Malaysia has interests
- Taiwan states its rights
- Vietnam demands access
- China says almost all is theirs
About 8 years ago the Hague court said Chinas big claims dont match international law but Beijing still doesnt agree. While no-one fully owns Scarborough Shoal the court did say its a place where fishermen from different countries should be able to fish; Chinaʼs attempts to block others breaks the rules. The economic zones let countries use resources up to 370km from their coast - but Chinaʼs actions often step over these lines
