evidence: Philippines vows to protect sovereignty in dismantling Chinese barrier it calls ‘clear violation’ in Scarborough Shoal Philippine officials in late September 2023 condemned the People’s Republic of China (PRC) for installing a floating barrier designed to keep Filipino boats out of a prime South China Sea fishing location. In dispatching divers to the disputed Scarborough Shoal waterway to dismantle the ropes and netting, the Philippine Coast Guard called the barrier a navigation hazard and "clear violation" of international law. [...] The Philippines claims Scarborough Shoal, within its exclusive economic zone, and its access to the shoal was upheld by the 2016 tribunal ruling. Beijing has refused to acknowledge the ruling and maintains a constant presence of coast guard vessels and militia in the area, according to news reports.