OpinionHow China can soothe anger in the Philippines over the sinking of a fishing boat in the South China Sea

On the evening of June 9, 22 Filipino fishermen were left at the mercy of the elements after their wooden fishing boat was in a collision with a Chinese vessel. The incident underscores the importance of adhering to established maritime norms and holding to account those who fail to do so.

It also tests the ability of the Philippines and China to handle situations that may adversely affect their otherwise improving ties. Three years after the landmark ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, disputes over the South China Sea continue to challenge relations between claimants, not least Manila and Beijing. 

A proposed joint inquiry – questioned in the Philippines but welcomed in China – marks a new twist in handling the incident. Another idea is a tripartite investigation involving a neutral third party. These proposals come as maritime agencies began submitting or winding up their reports and more information about what happened becomes available.

While some aspects of the incident are debatable, the Philippines has been united in denouncing the Chinese fishermen for leaving the Filipino crew in the open sea as their boat began to sink after sustaining damage in the collision. Article 98 of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea requires ships to help people in distress, including in the event of collisions.