Over the years, the Philippines and China's physical proximity to one another has strengthened economic activity and overall relations between the two countries. However, this proximity has recently become a point of contention, particularly due to the South China Sea. Dubbed the West Philippine Sea by Manila, the conflicting territorial claims for this resource-rich and strategic location have greatly strained ties between China and the Philippines. While many tend to focus on the large-scale effects on Philippine Trade, those who are the most impacted tend to be on the local scale, such as Filipino fishermen. 

By blocking access to not only prime fishing grounds but also necessary resources and aid, China is effectively taking away the livelihoods of many fishermen. Beijing has prohibited Filipino fishers from their traditional fishing grounds, Scarborough Shoals, known to be rich in resources, out of fear of being arrested by Chinese law enforcement. One fisherman, Curasema notes, “We now must fish 40 nautical miles (74km) from the shoal, where most of the fish in the area are.” 

Recently, the Philippines accused China's coast guard of firing a water cannon at government ships that were attempting to bring essential supplies to local fishermen in Scarborough Shoal. According to a local fishing group, Pamalakaya, China’s collective actions in the South China Sea have led to around 627,000 Filipino fishers losing their livelihoods over the past decade. 

In response, 100 small fishing boats led by Filipino activists sailed into the Scarborough Shoal to provide aid and support to local fishermen in the area. While this action is admirable, the Filipino government must take hands-on action to preserve the livelihood and culture of local Filipino fishermen. 



References: 

Maitem, Jeoffrey. “Manila Withdrew from Scarborough Shoal in 2012. Now Filipinos Can’t Fish There.” South China Morning Post, 22 Aug. 2024, https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3275375/south-china-sea-filipinos-blocked-scarborough-shoal-amid-concerns-over-fishing-rights.

Guardian staff. “South China Sea: Huge Civilian Filipino Flotilla Heads to Disputed Shoal to ‘Assert Sovereign Rights.’” The Guardian, 15 May 2024, https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/may/15/south-china-sea-philippines-coast-guard-flotilla-activists.

Reuters. “Philippines, China Trade Blame in Latest South China Sea Spat.” Reuters, 8 Oct. 2024, https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/philippines-china-trade-blame-latest-south-china-sea-spat-2024-10-08/.

Riñoza, Jojo. “Filipino Fishermen Feel Effects from Beijing’s Expansionism in South China Sea.” Benar News, 28 May 2021, https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/in-focus/filipino-fishermen/index.html.

School, AU Lois Min |. U. Queensland Law. “Philippines Military Defends Fishermen Rights in South China Sea against China Detention Regulations.” - JURIST - News, 15 June 2024, https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/06/philippines-military-defends-fishermen-rights-in-south-china-sea-against-china-detention-regulations/.