2-10-2023 (MANILA) The China Coast Guard has reportedly deployed rubber boats around Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal, obstructing Filipino fishermen from entering the lagoon, according to statements made by a fishers’ group. The Bigkis ng mga Mangingisda Federation in Masinloc, Zambales, has raised concerns about the increasing presence of Chinese vessels in Panatag Shoal in recent years.
Henrelito Empoc, the spokesman for the group, revealed that Chinese rubber boats patrol the area and prevent Filipino fishermen from accessing the lagoon. He mentioned that Chinese fishing vessels are allowed to fish in the lagoon, highlighting the escalating harassment from the Chinese coast guard over the past few months.
Empoc has called on the Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to support Filipino fishermen in Panatag. He stressed that Filipino fishermen would greatly appreciate such assistance, as foreign vessels have encroached upon the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, a clear violation of the nation’s sovereignty.
The fisherfolk in the area have suffered a significant decline in revenue, with a reported 70 percent drop due to their limited access to fishing grounds. Additionally, Empoc pointed out that Chinese floating barriers had been placed in the region even before the pandemic, although they were later removed due to strong waves.
The Philippine Coast Guard has made a commitment to remove any additional floating barriers placed by China in the South China Sea. A recent discovery of such a barrier across the entrance to Panatag Shoal prompted the Coast Guard to take action, cutting a rope tethering the barrier to an anchor, allowing it to drift away.
President Marcos, in a previous statement, emphasized the importance of defending the Philippines and its maritime territory, along with the rights of Filipino fishermen to conduct their trade in areas they have traditionally fished for centuries.
China Responds to US Report on Propaganda and Disinformation
In response to a US Department of State report accusing China of spending billions of dollars annually on propaganda and disinformation, the Chinese Foreign Ministry described the United States as an “empire of lies.” The report revealed that China invested significantly in spreading false information to promote positive views of China and the Chinese Communist Party.
The report highlighted that the People’s Republic of China (PRC) seeks to cultivate a global environment that encourages foreign governments, elites, journalists, and civil society to embrace its preferred narratives while avoiding criticism of its actions.
China’s Foreign Ministry countered by stating, “Some in the US may think that they can prevail in the information war as long as they produce enough lies. But the people of the world are not blind.” This exchange reflects the ongoing information warfare between the two nations as they vie for global influence.
