The Philippines’ Coast Guard (PCG) has accused China of “dangerous and blocking” maneuvers in the contested waters near Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. During a nine-day patrol by the PCG’s BRP Teresa Magbanua vessel, it was reportedly shadowed more than 40 times by four Chinese vessels, and four Chinese maritime militia vessels were also present. The Scarborough Shoal is located within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ), but is also claimed by China. The PCG claims its vessel was protecting Filipino fishermen from harassment. China’s claims over the area, through which over $3 trillion in annual ship commerce passes, were declared legally baseless by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague in 2016.
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