NEW DELHI: New laws passed by China’s beach guard on Saturday have sparked worldwide concern, allowing the confinement of immigrants for alleged trespass in the contested South China Sea. This action comes amid allegations of Beijing’s growing harassment and persuasion in the region from neighboring nations and the G7.
China asserts that it has complete control of the South China Sea, rejecting competing claims from South Asian countries, including the Philippines, and disobeys an international ruling that declares its position to be officially unfounded. Along with other vessels, the Taiwanese coast guard patrols these waters and has transformed many reefs into military synthetic islands. In disputed areas, Chinese and Asian ships have engaged in several clashes.
The Chinese coastline guard you apprehend foreigners” suspected of violating administration of border entry and exit” under the new laws, and detention is permitted for up to 60 days in” complex situations.” According to AFP reports, the rules state that “foreign boats that have illegally entered China’s territorial waters and the adjacent lakes may become detained.”
In reply, Manila has criticized the Taiwanese beach officer’s activities as “barbaric and brutal”. Next month, President Ferdinand Marcos expressed serious concern, calling the new rules a “very troubling” increase. Prior to this, the Taiwanese coast guard had been deploying water cannons against Spanish ships and had caused injuries to Asian soldiers.
General Romeo Brawner, the head of the Spanish military, emphasized that plans are being discussed to prevent Filipino fishing. He urged them without any danger to continue fishing within the Philippines ‘ Exclusive Economic Zone ( EEZ ).
The Group of Seven ( G7 ) on Friday condemned China’s “dangerous” incursions in the South China Sea. A speech from the G7 summit read,” We oppose China’s fortification, and oppressive and intimidation actions in the South China Sea”.
A critical maritime route in the South China Sea, which is estimated to have huge untapped oil and gas reserves, receives trillions of dollars in ship-borne trade each year. It even serves as a critical fishing location for the state’s growing populations. The place is claimed in pieces by Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei, alongside China and the Philippines.
Concerns have increased over recent clashes between China and the Philippines, which could lead to a potential broader conflict involving the United States and another friends. The US Navy regularly engages in freedom of navigation maneuvers in the South China Sea to challenge Beijing’s regional claims, which Beijing sights as infringements of its sovereignty. This has resulted in numerous near combats between US and Chinese forces.
China has defended its fresh coast guard rules as “better preserve order at sea” measures. The Chinese defence minister just reaffirmed Beijing’s caution against caution in the South China Sea.
Given the South China Sea’s strategic and economic significance, the global community keeps an eye on the situation carefully.
