China has announced it has implemented “control measures” against Philippine ships which it accuses of illegally gathering in waters near a disputed reef in the South China Sea. The Chinese Coast Guard, represented by spokesperson Liu Dejun, stated that a number of Philippine vessels were unlawfully congregating under the guise of fishing activities near Houteng Reef, which corresponds to the Iroquois Reef as referred to in international and Philippine names.
Liu emphasized that these actions by the Chinese Coast Guard were taken in accordance with the law, urging the Philippines to cease what he termed “infringements and provocations.” This assertion highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding territorial claims in the area.
In parallel developments, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has reported an incident of harassment involving a Chinese navy helicopter, identified by its tail number 65, which allegedly hovered over Philippine fishing vessels at Iroquois Reef. Philippine Coast Guard spokesman, Commodore Jay Tarriela, remarked on the unprecedented nature of the incident, noting this was the first recorded occurrence of a PLA Navy helicopter engaging in low-altitude harassment of Filipino fishermen, flying at heights between 15 to 18 feet.
In response to the perceived threat, the PCG dispatched additional vessels—a 97-meter and a 44-meter ship—to ensure the safety and security of Filipino fishermen exercising their rights in the waters around Rozul (Iroquois) Reef. The incidents of harassment were substantiated by video footage obtained from a Filipino fisherman, which depicted the helicopter’s hover over the fishing boat.
The Philippine Coast Guard shared these videos and photographs taken on November 28, further underscoring the heated situation at sea. Tensions in the South China Sea have been exacerbated in recent months, with China maintaining expansive claims over nearly the entire region, despite a 2016 international tribunal ruling that deemed those claims to lack legal foundation.
China has increasingly deployed its naval and coast guard assets, alongside maritime militia formations, to reinforce its claims and deter the Philippines from accessing critically significant reefs and islands. This pattern of confrontations has resulted in injuries and sustained damage in clashes between vessels from both nations.
The tensions intensified notably when Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos enacted two laws delineating the country’s maritime boundaries and establishing fixed navigational lanes for foreign vessels in late November. China’s swift diplomatic response included summoning the Philippine envoy to express formal objections to these developments.
Further complicating the geopolitical landscape, relations in the region have also been strained following the United States and the Philippines formalizing a security pact, enabling them to exchange classified information. Recently, President Marcos expressed concern over the sighting of a Russian attack submarine near the Philippines, describing the incident as “very worrisome,” adding an additional layer of tension to the ongoing maritime disputes in the South China Sea.
