The Philippines challenged China’s actions regarding Scarborough Shoal, emphasizing the need for international scrutiny due to alleged environmental destruction and maritime tensions.
Background:
- Scarborough Shoal Dispute: China seized control of Scarborough Shoal in 2012, a move contested by the Philippines.
- Hague Arbitration Tribunal (2016): Ruled against China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea, including Scarborough Shoal.
Recent Developments:
- Environmental Concerns: Accusations of China’s destruction of marine environment at Scarborough Shoal.
- Rising Tensions: Manila accuses Beijing of using aggressive tactics, including blocking maneuvers and water cannon use.
Philippine Response:
- Call for International Scrutiny: Urges China to allow third-party examination of Scarborough Shoal.
- Legal Action Considered: Growing consensus within the Philippine government to file a case against China for coral reef destruction.
- Evidence Presented: Philippine coast guard photographs show alleged illegal harvesting of marine life by Chinese fishermen.
Chinese Response:
- Enforcement of Regulations: China’s coast guard published rules allowing the use of force against foreign vessels.
- Legal Justification: China asserts its sovereignty and dismisses concerns if no illegal behavior is involved.
- Philippine Rejection: The Philippines denounces China’s actions as contrary to international law and pledges not to be intimidated.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What triggered the recent challenge from the Philippines to China?
- A) Maritime trade disputes
- B) Alleged environmental destruction at Scarborough Shoal
- C) Political disagreements over territorial boundaries
- D) Human rights violations in the South China Sea
- Answer: B) Alleged environmental destruction at Scarborough Shoal
- What was the outcome of the Hague arbitration tribunal in 2016 regarding Scarborough Shoal?
- A) Ruled in favor of China’s control
- B) Called for joint administration between China and the Philippines
- C) Found China’s claim to be baseless under international law
- D) Urged diplomatic negotiations without legal intervention
- Answer: C) Found China’s claim to be baseless under international law
- What action does the Philippine government plan to take against China?
- A) Military intervention
- B) Economic sanctions
- C) Filing a legal case for environmental damage
- D) Withdrawing from international maritime agreements
- Answer: C) Filing a legal case for environmental damage
- How did the Philippine coast guard support its claim of environmental damage at Scarborough Shoal?
- A) By presenting satellite images
- B) Through underwater drone footage
- C) With photographs of alleged illegal harvesting
- D) By conducting a scientific study
- Answer: C) With photographs of alleged illegal harvesting
- What is China’s response to accusations of violating international law?
- A) Asserting sovereignty and denying wrongdoing
- B) Accepting responsibility and offering reparations
- C) Seeking diplomatic mediation
- D) Withdrawing from maritime disputes
- Answer: A) Asserting sovereignty and denying wrongdoing