From the Forecast: June 15 – China coast guard rules go into effect
A new order by China’s coast guard will go into effect Saturday, allowing its personnel to detain foreign vessels and people suspected of “trespassing” in Beijing-claimed waters for up to 60 days.
What’s happened so far In May, the Chinese coast guard issued a set of new rules detailing the enforcement of “administrative cases that occur in the waters under China’s jurisdiction”. China claims a large portion of the South China Sea demarcated by its so-called “nine-dash line”, including the disputed Scarborough Shoal, Spratly Island and Parcel island. While the order does not specifically mention the South China Sea, analysts warn the move could provoke further flare ups in the region. Tension has continued to rise in the waterway of late, with the Philippines using civilian missions to supply food and fuel to its fishermen and Chinese ships firing water cannons at Philippine vessels.
The impact Experts say the latest move is part of China’s “gray zone” strategy, which aims to create ambiguity and normalize Beijing’s presence in waters such as the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said the rules are “worrisome” and that the Philippines will use “any point of contact with China” to protect its fishermen.