CHINA TOPIX

11/22/2024 05:09:13 am

Make CT Your Homepage

South China Sea Dispute: China Sends Fishermen to ‘Occupy and Build Islands’ in Scarborough Shoal

South China Sea Dispute

(Photo : Dondi Tawatao/Getty Images) US marines and various military quipment is seen inside their bivouac on April 14, 2016 in Crow Valley, Tarlac province, Philippines. The Philippines is locked in a dispute with China over islets in the South China Sea which Beijing regards as its territory.

Amid the South China Sea dispute among different countries, particularly between China and the Philippines, several Chinese fishermen from Hainan Island are reportedly gearing up for their trip to Scarborough Shoal.

According to ABC News, these fishermen are set to carry out their "most important mission yet," to "occupy and build islands in the area, which is only 200 kilometers from the Philippines.

Like Us on Facebook

While this is already the reported plan of the China, it was noted that the Philippine government is trying to stop it via an international court action. However, the former appeared to be keen about not letting it happen.

"China's position is very consistent and firm and they will not accept or participate in the arbitration case," China's National Institute for the South China Sea deputy director Ms Yan Yan commented relative to the dispute.

Meanwhile, Huang Xin Biao, a 50-year veteran of fishing and conflict in the South China Sea, shared that his country is not giving up.

"The Philippines thinks it's their territory and sometimes they beat us and steal from us," he said. "But, it's our territory, our ancestors fished there for generations. "

"My father died at sea," he added when it comes to the on-going South China Sea dispute. "We've sacrificed a lot for it."

In the meantime, the report revealed that the forward guards composed of fishermen gets supplies and being trained by the government.

And once their mission in Scarborough Shoal is done, China will be able to complete its "iron triangle" already and have "complete control" over South China Sea, the subject of dispute among different countries.

Real Time Analytics