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The Philippines has accused China of creating a “floating barrier” around the disputed island of Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, restricting Filipino fishermen’s access to the region.
The floating barrier measures about 300 meters and was installed by three Chinese Coast Guard inflatable boats and a Chinese Maritime Militia service boat, Bloomberg reported.
Manila’s maritime and fisheries authorities condemned the move, noting that such obstacles often arise when China intensively monitors fishing activities.
Fishermen defying the barrier were intercepted on Sunday (24) by four Chinese Coast Guard vessels, which reportedly sent around 15 radio alerts asking them to move away. Beijing claims that the approximately 50 Filipino boats in the area “violate international law and China’s internal laws.”
The Philippine Navy said on Monday (25) that it had removed the floating structure, claiming it posed “a danger to shipping, a clear violation of international law” and hampered “fishing and livelihood activities for Filipino fishermen.” carry out.” .
Why it matters: Increasingly hostile encounters between Chinese and Filipino ships in the South China Sea are no longer the exception but the rule. Last month, Filipino officials flooded X (formerly Twitter) with videos shows risky and potentially deadly maneuvers by the Chinese.
The war of words on social media gained momentum after the Philippines described an attitude toward one of its ships as “hostile.” At the time, supply ships sent to military personnel stationed on sandbanks near the Spratly Islands were reportedly attacked by China with water cannons.
Stop to watch
Olympic swimming champion Wang Shun lights the cauldron next to a digital projection at the opening ceremony of the Asian Summer Olympics in Hangzhou. At the torch relay ceremony, the highlight of the party, the digital athlete ran through the streets of the Chinese city and “entered” the stadium above the audience a show of drones and projections that was a hit on Chinese social media.
whatever matters
★ With regard to the electric vehicle industry, the Chinese have increased their production quota for rare earth metals by 14% for 2023. The move is aimed at boosting China’s bargaining power because rare earths are essential to advanced technologies and Beijing dominates much of that global production.
★ China and East Timor have decided to raise relations to the level of a “comprehensive strategic partnership”. Diplomatic jargon is given to countries that treat each other as a priority. The agreement was signed between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and East Timorese Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão during a meeting on the sidelines of the opening of the Asian Games in Hangzhou. The rapprochement between the two countries is crucial for Beijing as it seeks to expand its influence in Southeast Asia and the South Pacific, a region with intense military and commercial traffic.
keep an eye
European Commission Executive Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis hinted at a tightening of the European Union’s trade relations with China. Speaking at Tsinghua University, Dombrovskis said the lack of fair competition in Beijing had pushed the EU to defend its interests more vigorously.
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The warning comes as part of an investigation into Chinese subsidies for electric vehicle production;
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The Europeans claim that China is flooding the market with cheap products, hurting jobs and local chains;
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China called the investigation “blatant protectionism” and Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin called the move “a waste of opportunities for cooperation and development.”
Why does it matter?: Dombrovskis’ speech reflects growing anxiety among lawmakers and business people about the terms of trade with China. In July, for example, Brazil launched an investigation into whether Beijing was using irregular subsidies in the fiber optic cable sector. Similar measures are being taken by Mexico in sectors such as textiles and footwear.
go deep
- The Council on Foreign Relations has published an interesting article analyzing how China’s diplomatic relations with Brazil, Argentina and Venezuela are shaping South America and reducing the American presence in the region in several aspects (free, in English).
- This week’s Insights podcast discussed the challenges facing the Chinese economy and what strategic and structural risks investors around the world are keeping an eye on. Listen. (free, in Portuguese)
- The Chinese film festival ends on Friday (29th). The event, carried out by CPFL with the support of the Government of São Paulo and the Confúcio Institute, made five very rare productions available with free access. There will also be personal sessions on other works in Campinas. Information here. (free, in Chinese with Portuguese subtitles)