Philippine Officials Pledge Barrier Removal at Contested Site

The Philippines has vowed to remove a floating barrier placed by China's coast guard at Scarborough Shoal, a disputed site in the South China Sea. The barrier, which prevents Filipino fishing boats from entering a lagoon, is considered "illegal and illegitimate" by Philippine officials. This latest incident adds to the long-standing territorial disputes in the region, involving China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. The Philippines asserts that Scarborough Shoal lies within its exclusive economic zone, and its fishing rights were upheld by a 2016 arbitration decision. The U.S., while not claiming the area, has conducted patrols to challenge China's claims and promote freedom of navigation.