Philippines Takes Down Chinese Barrier in South China Sea

The Philippines has removed a floating barrier installed by China to block Philippine fishing boats from entering a contested area in the South China Sea. The Philippines coast guard, acting on instructions from President Ferdinand Marcos Junior, stated that China violated its fishing rights with the 300m barrier in the Scarborough Shoal. China claims over 90% of the South China Sea and seized the shoal in 2012. The Philippines described the shoal as an integral part of its national territory and accused China of hindering fishing and livelihood activities. Tensions have escalated since President Marcos Jr restored security ties with the US and granted American troops wider access to Philippine military bases.