Philippines disables floating barrier installed by China

The Philippine Coast Guard announced that they have cut the 300-meter-long floating barrier that China had placed around the Scarborough Reef last week to keep Filipino fishing boats away. Philippine Coast Guard Spokesperson Jay Tarriela stated that although they estimate that China may reinstall barriers and take dangerous steps, the Philippines will not step back and will continue their activities at sea. Tarriela stated that any act to prevent Filipino fishermen from fishing in the area violates the international law that granted the area to Filipino fishermen in 2016. China, on the other hand, claims that the reef is under its sovereignty.