Chinese beef-up shoal patrol

Disputed South China Sea or West Philippine Sea? Wikipedia photo

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Philippines – Beijing is pushing full-steam ahead – even expanding its patrol of Half Moon Shoal – with its comprehensive to the claim to the West Philippine Sea. This, despite the recent arrest and sentencing of eleven Chinese fishermen for illegal poaching in the disputed waters

China has beefed-up its maritime patrols of the shoal as a means of protecting its fishing boats plying the disputed waters.

The increased patrolling activity at the shoal – locally known as Hasa-Hasa – was initially noticed by Filipino fishermen; who saw the goings-on while fishing off islets near Palawan.

Fishing boat skipper Hiya Saddalani stated: “Every time we went fishing at the shoal there was always a Chinese coast guard ship lurking around protecting their fishing vessels while hauling sea turtles being sold by their local contacts.”

Saddalani added that Chinese coast guard ships seen near the Hasa-Hasa Shoal are all coming from Mischief Reef; a formation within Philippine territory but under the control of the Chinese since 1994 as a “fishermen’s shelter.” The reef has since been developed into a naval facility of China’s Southern Fleet.

He added that the Chinese vessels also guard Ayungin Shoal, where a detachment of Philippine Marines are stationed.

Absari Hardon, another fisherman, detailed an incident that took place last month. He recalled that while his group was sailing back home, they were closely followed by a Chinese coast guard ship from Lawak, yet another islet in disputed territory.

Hardon clarified that local fishermen are not afraid of the increased patrolling activities of the Chinese; after all, the fishermen know they are fishing within Philippine territory.

However, Hardon pointed out the lack of support from the Philippine government to protect its fishermen from what is generally perceived as Chinese bullying is perturbing

“We just hope that Philippine authorities can protect us the way Chinese ships escort Chinese fishing boats. We want some support from our government,” Hardon said.

He also stressed that the Chinese fishermen are involved in illegal activities like poaching and buying sea turtles and other endangered sea species from contacts in the area of the shoal, and not legitimate fishing.