Filipino fishermen in the firing line of South China Sea dispute

The South China Sea is one of the world's most contested areas. Several nations, including Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines claim some portion of the disputed sea and depend on its resources. But tensions are running especially high in the region due to China's continued aggressive enforcement of its sweeping claims throughout the entire sea.

For Filipino fishermen who rely on these rich waters, the impact of the ongoing dispute means less fish, fewer fishing grounds, and their own survival on the line. And the Filipino government feels there is little it can do to push back despite China's encroachment into its waters hundreds of miles from the Chinese mainland.

Using its military and economic muscle, China has created islands from submerged reefs and atolls in the South China Sea and has dispatched an eager force of civilian maritime militia to enforce its claims using intimidation and harassment. Control of the region ensures China's large, industrial fishing fleets fertile grounds far from its depleted coastal waters.

#Philippines #China #southchinasea #asean #malaysia #indonesia #vietnam #taiwan

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