On May 1, 2024, China expressed its intention to implement a No Fishing regulation in the contentious waters of the West Philippine Sea, scheduled to remain in effect until September 16, 2024. This decision has raised significant political and security concerns at both regional and global levels. Despite being presented as a measure to protect marine ecosystems, the policy is widely seen as a calculated move by Beijing to reinforce its geopolitical control over the disputed area. The implications of this regulation extend well beyond environmental preservation, encompassing issues of sovereignty, international law, and regional stability.
The implementation of China’s No Fishing policy in the West Philippine Sea, a part of the South China Sea, is widely viewed by most geopolitical experts and observers as an attempt to reinforce its claims over the area. This region is abundant in natural resources such as fish stocks, oil, and natural gas, and also serves as a crucial maritime route for global trade. The Philippines, along with Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Taiwan, also have competing claims in the South China Sea, resulting in a complex tangle of overlapping territorial disputes.
The imposition of the No Fishing policy is blatant unilateral display of control, disregarding the claims and rights of other nations as protected by the UNCLOS. This move undermines the 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, which rejected China’s extensive claims to the South China Sea and upheld the Philippines’ sovereign rights to its exclusive economic zone (EEZ). By enforcing this policy, China not only challenges international law but also sets a concerning precedent for other disputed regions around the world.
The implementation of this policy will escalate tension in the region. The Philippines has strongly opposed it, with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. deeming the move “unacceptable” and a violation of the country’s maritime rights. Filipino fishermen, who rely on these waters for their livelihood, are now facing economic hardship and an elevated risk of confrontation with Chinese maritime forces. Reports of harassment and intimidation by Chinese coast guard and fishing militia vessels have only worsened the situation.
Vietnam, Malaysia, and other Southeast Asian nations with competing claims are likely to perceive this as a direct threat to their sovereignty and security. This may result in a regional arms race, as countries feel the need to strengthen their naval capabilities to protect their claims. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has struggled to present a unified stance on the South China Sea issue, and China’s recent action could further divide regional solidarity.
The international community, particularly the United States and its allies, faces a critical litmus test in responding to China’s No Fishing policy. The U.S. has long championed freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea, conducting regular patrols to challenge Beijing’s claims. However, the effectiveness of these operations in deterring Chinese aggression is increasingly being called into question.
The No Fishing policy serves as a crucial measure of global commitment to upholding the rules-based order. Allowing unchallenged enforcement of this policy by China could set a precedent for other nations to employ similar tactics in disputed areas, potentially causing a disruption in international norms and escalating geopolitical instability. It is imperative for the European Union, Japan, Australia, and other stakeholders to align their diplomatic and economic efforts to compel China to adhere to international law.
While the conservation of marine resources is a valid concern, China’s track record in the South China Sea raises doubts about its environmental intentions or sincerity. The construction of artificial islands and extensive dredging activities by China have caused significant ecological damage, including the destruction of coral reefs and marine habitats. The No Fishing policy, therefore, appears less about environmental stewardship and more about consolidating control.
However, this policy does highlight the need for effective management of marine resources in the South China Sea. Overfishing and illegal fishing activities have depleted fish stocks, threatening the livelihoods of millions of people in the region. A multilateral approach, involving all claimant nations, is essential for sustainable fisheries management and environmental conservation.
China’s No Fishing policy in the West Philippine Sea is a clear provocative move with far-reaching implications regionally and internationally. It challenges the sovereignty of other claimant nations, tests the resolve of the international community, and risks escalating regional tensions. The response to this policy will shape the future of international maritime law, regional security, and environmental management in one of the world’s most strategically important waterways.
As the world watches, the need for a unified and principled stance has never been more critical. Ensuring that the South China Sea remains a sea of peace, cooperation, and sustainable development will require concerted efforts from all stakeholders, grounded in respect for international law and mutual respect for sovereignty.
