Amidst the increasing tension between America and Iran regarding the Strait of Hormuz, China has also spread its tentacles. China is silently trying to strengthen its hold in the South China Sea. China is busy imposing restrictions on the Scarborough Shoal maritime area. There has been a dispute between China and the Philippines regarding this for a long time.

What is Scarborough Shoal?
Satellite images have revealed that China tried to almost close the entry point here through boats, coast guard ships and a large floating barrier. Scarborough Shoal is considered a very rich area for fishing. Filipino fishermen have been coming here for a long time, but China claims this entire area as its own. The reality is that this area comes under the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Philippines.

Recently, China tried to prevent entry into this area by installing a floating barrier about 350 meters long. Along with this, many Chinese fishing boats and coast guard ships were deployed there. Philippines alleges that China is continuously exerting pressure in this area through maritime militia and driving away their fishermen.

America with Philippines
According to Reuters report, the Philippines has also sent its coast guard and navy ships there in response, which has further increased the risk of conflict. Philippines has removed such barriers before, but this time China’s presence seems more aggressive. This tension is not limited to just two countries. America also stands with the Philippines in this entire matter.

Experts believe that China is taking advantage of the current situation, because America’s focus is currently more on Iran and the Strait of Hormuz. In such a situation, China is trying to strengthen its position in the South China Sea. China has controlled Scarborough Shoal since 2012. In 2016, the International Court had also given a verdict in favor of the Philippines, but China refused to accept it. Since then this area has remained a center of constant tension.

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