As tensions in the South China Sea heat up, dozens of Chinese ships entered the South China Sea and headed for Sembin Reef and Scarborough Shoal. According to Philippine media reports, American maritime expert Powell revealed that the civilian fleet of the "Atinitto Alliance" had at least four Chinese coast guard ships and 26 large maritime militia ships blockading Scarborough Shoal before setting sail from the Philippines. Powell also noted that this would be the largest blockade he has tracked at Scarborough Shoal to date. China appears determined to aggressively enforce its claim to Scarborough Shoal.
The "Atinitto Alliance" mentioned by Powell is made up of a number of Filipino civil society groups that want to recruit hundreds of civilian ships to participate in the second civilian mission. According to the plan, the "Atinitto Alliance" will carry out civilian missions in the South China Sea from May 14 to 17 and install markers or buoys at Scarborough Shoal.
It is understood that 100 civilian vessels, as well as two medium and large ships, will participate. At the end of last year, the alliance organized a similar operation, dispatching 40 fishing boats to deliver supplies donated by the people to Filipino soldiers stationed at the "beached warship" at Ren'ai Jiao.
In response to Chinese coast guard vessels and maritime militia vessels heading to the relevant areas before Philippine civilian vessels arrive at Scarborough Shoal, Philippine Coast Guard spokesman Tariera said in an interview with television that the Philippine Coast Guard will ensure the safety and freedom of navigation of participants in the "Atinitto Alliance" civilian mission. The "Atinito" alliance also said that they would continue their activities despite the reported presence of a large number of Chinese ships.
Regarding this civil mission, David Bi, co-convener of the "Atinitto Alliance", said that it is a legitimate exercise of the rights of Filipino citizens and the sovereign rights of the Philippines in accordance with international law. But in fact, this maritime operation is a serious challenge to China's sovereignty in the South China Sea, Scarborough Shoal is China's inherent territory, and Philippine civil society organizations carrying out tasks in the relevant waters and installing markers or buoys are clearly inconsistent with international law and will undoubtedly escalate tensions between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea.
If Powell's message is true, that is, Chinese ships have entered the South China Sea in large numbers or tried to blockade Scarborough Shoal, then it will have multiple meanings, one is to declare China's sovereignty over Scarborough Shoal. On the South China Sea issue, the PLA will never make any concessions or give in, and will take resolute measures to defend its sovereignty and interests. The second is a warning to the Philippines. China will never allow the Philippines to cause chaos in the South China Sea, otherwise it will bear all the consequences. In the future, it cannot be ruled out that China will take more similar actions to safeguard its sovereign interests from being infringed upon. In addition, the China Coast Guard has also carried out regular training in the waters off Scarborough Shoal to ensure the safety of people on board the vessels. The intensification of the Chinese coast guard's activities at Scarborough Shoal means that China is asserting its sovereignty with actions.
While Chinese ships are heading for the South China Sea, another group of ships has appeared at Xianbin Reef, including research vessels and naval vessels, numbering in the dozens. The Philippines has accused China of building artificial islands in the region. Regarding the Philippine accusations, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin pointed out at a regular press conference that the Philippine side's accusations against China are groundless and pure rumor-mongering, and urged the Philippine side to stop making irresponsible remarks, face up to the facts, and return to the right track of properly handling sea-related differences through negotiation and consultation as soon as possible.
It should be pointed out that as tensions in the South China Sea escalate, the Philippine side has also threatened to expel Chinese diplomats. The Philippine National Security Council said it demanded that Chinese diplomats be deported because they had engaged in what it called "malicious disinformation activities," violating local laws and diplomatic agreements. There are signs that the Philippines is frequently inciting confrontation over the South China Sea issue. However, it is undeniable that no matter how the external environment changes, China's determination to safeguard sovereignty in the South China Sea is firm, and it is hoped that the Philippines and other external forces will stop causing trouble and provoking.