The latest clashes also come around the time of the 10th anniversary of the 2016 arbitration ruling that China’s nine-dash line was unlawful as a claim to maritime space. Beijing has never accepted the ruling.
EVERY MOVE ADDS UP
The broader direction is even clearer at Scarborough Shoal, where China has achieved practical on-water control by setting new rules, expanding its ability to enforce them and restricting access to the shoal.
China telegraphed its intent in 2025 with its announcement of a “Huangyan Dao National Nature Reserve” covering significant sections of the shoal. Since then, Beijing has been steadily building the administrative…
Read the full article at CHANNELNEWSASIA.COM
