Satellite imagery obtained by "shows" that China has deployed ships and a barricade to tighten the control at the entrance of the Scarborough Shoal, a disputed feature in the South China Sea. This is despite the rising tensions with the Philippines.

Scarborough, one of Asia’s most contested?maritime sites is where diplomats and analysts are concerned that long-running frictions or confrontations could?degenerate? into an armed conflict.

Four fishing boats, one Chinese coast guard or naval ship and a floating barrier are all present in the Philippines as it sends its own fisheries and coast guard vessels to help its fishermen who are often chased away by Chinese patrols.

The images taken on April 10 show fishing boats anchored at the entrance of the shoal. In the image from April 11, a barrier floating across the shoal is also visible.

Satellite image provider Vantor (formerly Maxar Technologies) said that a possible Chinese coast guard or naval patrol vessel can be seen just outside the entry on April 10.

The Chinese defence ministry has not responded to requests for comment regarding the deployment of the entrance to the Shoal or its timing.

Traditional Rich Fishing Ground

Scarborough Shoal, a rich fishing area in the Philippines exclusive economic zone. China claims the territory as well.

China approved the establishment of a nature reserve in the Philippines last year. This alarming move was criticized by Philippine officials as a "clear excuse for occupation".

Jay Tarriela of the Philippine Coast Guard told reporters on Wednesday that the Chinese government installed a floating?barrier measuring 352-m (1.150-ft), at the entrance, on April 10th and April 11th.

He said that six Chinese maritime militia ships were spotted within the shoal. Three others were seen outside, obstructing what appeared to be?the entry to BDM.

The shoal is known in the Philippines as Bajo de Masinloc and in China it is Huangyan Island.

Tarriela reported that the Chinese side appears to have removed the most recent barrier since the weekend. However, the Philippine Navy said its patrols continued.

Tarriela said, "Accordingly to our past assessment, they always display suspicion when they observe a group Filipino fishing boats."

Roy Trinidad, a spokesperson for the Philippine Navy, said that ten Chinese coastguard vessels were seen at the shoal between April 5 and April 12.

SOVEREIGNTY HAS NEITHER BEEN ESTABLISHED

Even if Philippine vessels still attempt to operate on the shoal, Beijing effectively controls it despite the conflicting claims.

In January, the Philippines and United States military sailed at the shoal together in the 11th drill of this kind by the treaty partners.

Under Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. who shifted closer to Washington as a response to China’s growing presence on the busy waterway of South China Sea, military?engagements have increased.

This month, thousands of troops from both nations will begin large-scale military exercises throughout the Philippine archipelago, including Zambales whose coast is approximately 120 nautical miles away from the Scarborough Shoal.

Diplomats said the drills and wider?tensions were being closely monitored amid fears that China might take advantage of perceptions the U.S. was distracted by the Iran?conflict, and its efforts to reopen the Straits of Hormuz.

Since 2012, when China seized the shoal after a standoff between the Philippines and China, it has deployed coast guards and fishing trawlers to the area.

Manila has claimed that Chinese maritime militias operate trawlers near the disputed shoal in the South China Sea. Beijing, however, has never acknowledged this.

The Permanent Court of Arbitration, which has ruled on many South China Sea disputes since 2016, backed Manila's position but did not include a ruling that established Scarborough Shoal as a sovereign territory.

The court ruled that Beijing's blockade of the area violated international law because it is a traditional fishing grounds for many countries including China, Philippines, and Vietnam. (Reporting from Greg Torode and Karen Lema, in Hong Kong; Additional reporting provided by Beijing Newsroom; Editing done by Clarence Fernandez).

(source: Reuters)