New regulations enacted by China's coast guard on Saturday have sparked international concern by allowing the detention of foreigners for alleged trespassing in the disputed South China Sea.
According to the new rules, the coast guard can detain foreigners "suspected of violating management of border entry and exit" for up to 60 days in "complicated cases."
China claims almost the entire South China Sea, dismissing competing claims from Southeast Asian nations such as the Philippines, and ignoring an international ruling deeming its stance legally unfounded.
The Chinese coast guard, alongside other vessels, patrols these waters and has militarized several reefs into artificial islands, leading to numerous confrontations with Philippine ships in contested zones.
Under the new regulations, foreign ships "illegally entering China's territorial waters and adjacent waters may be detained," AFP reported. In response, Manila has denounced the Chinese coast guard's actions as "barbaric and inhumane." Last month, President Ferdinand Marcos expressed deep concern, calling the new regulations a "very worrisome" escalation.
The Chinese coast guard has previously deployed water cannons against Philippine vessels and caused collisions injuring Filipino troops.
Philippine military chief General Romeo Brawner emphasized that measures are being discussed to safeguard Filipino fishermen. He encouraged them to continue fishing within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) without fear.
The Group of Seven (G7) condemned China's "dangerous" incursions in the South China Sea on Friday. A statement from the G7 summit read, "We oppose China's militarization, and coercive and intimidation activities in the South China Sea."
The South China Sea, a crucial maritime route, sees trillions of dollars in ship-borne trade annually and is believed to contain vast unexploited oil and gas reserves. It also serves as a vital fishing area for the region's growing populations.
The area is claimed in parts by Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei, alongside China and the Philippines.
Recent confrontations between China and the Philippines have raised fears of a broader conflict potentially involving the United States and other allies.
The US Navy frequently conducts freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea, challenging Beijing's territorial claims, which China views as infringements on its sovereignty. This has led to a series of close encounters between Chinese and US forces.
Follow us
