The coastguard of the Philippines urged the country’s fishermen today to keep operating at Scarborough Shoal and other sites in the South China Sea. The Philippine coastguard on Monday removed a floating barrier installed by China that blocked access to the Scarborough Shoal. Coastguard spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela said Philippine vessels were unable to maintain a constant presence but were committed to protecting the rights of fishermen inside the country’s exclusive economic zone.
Meanwhile, China’s Foreign Ministry has advised the Philippines to avoid provocations and not cause trouble while Philippine Defence Secretary Gilbert Teodoro said removing the cordon was not a provocation.
