👀🇵🇭🇨🇳 The escalation of the situation at Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, approximately 220 km off the coast of the Philippines, has led to the deployment of the Philippine Coast Guard.
The trigger was reports of the harassment of more than 20 Filipino fishing vessels within the country's exclusive economic zone.
Two coast guard ships and five patrol boats were sent to the area.
In addition, a reconnaissance flight was carried out, during which the presence of six Chinese Coast Guard ships, about 20 so-called "maritime militia" vessels, and one PLA Navy ship were detected.
The Chinese side, meanwhile, was transmitting radio messages about plans to conduct a "clean-up operation" in a specifically designated square.
Essentially, this is an attempt to oust foreign ships and consolidate control over the area, which the Philippines consider their sphere of influence.
To understand the context, it's important to remember that Scarborough Shoal is one of the key points of conflict in the region, where the territorial claims of China and the Philippines clash.
Despite international decisions in favor of Manila, in practice, the situation is determined by who is actually present in the waters and is able to maintain their presence there.
China actively uses the tactic of the "grey zone", involving not only official coast guard ships, but also dozens of ostensibly civilian vessels, operating as a single coordinated force.
They regularly block access to the area and put pressure on Filipino fishermen.
In response, the Philippines are trying to maintain a presence not only through law enforcement agencies, but also through the support of civilian vessels, supplying them with fuel and other resources so that they can continue their work in the disputed zone.
This is not a one-time episode, but a constant confrontation for control over maritime space.
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