South China Sea: is China’s fishing ban a ‘scare tactic’ to fend off Philippine vessels entering disputed waters?

Manila has denounced the embargo that lasts till September and China’s threats to arrest trespassers as more civilian boats venture into the contested waterway

Experts say Beijing unlikely to follow through on its warning to avoid international backlash, urging the Philippines to exercise caution in its response

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A Chinese coastguard ship sails past a Philippine fishing boat in the disputed South China Sea on May 16. Photo: AFP

Published: 1:12pm, 30 May 2024Updated: 4:43pm, 30 May 2024

A four-month unilateral fishing ban by Beijing in the disputed South China Sea is a scare tactic to dissuade the Philippines as more civilian vessels from the country enter claimed areas to assert Manila’s maritime rights, observers say.

This year’s pause in trawling, in force from May 1 to September 16, carries more significance with the Chinese coastguard authorised to arrest trespassers in the contested waters – a move denounced by both the Philippines and its fishermen.

China argues the annual moratorium is aimed at promoting sustainable fishing.

In a statement on Monday, the Department of Foreign Affairs called on China to “cease and desist from the conduct of illegal actions that violate the Philippines’ sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction”.

The ministry also asked Beijing to “comply with its obligations under international law,” particularly the “final and binding” 2016 arbitral award that ruled in favour of Manila and found China’s assertions over the waterway have no legal basis.

The economic giant, which claims most of the South China Sea, has refused to accept the ruling.

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