China Expands South China Sea Control Through Maritime Rules

China has increased enforcement activity around disputed South China Sea waters by using patrols, regulations and administrative measures that challenge Philippine operations at Second Thomas Shoal and other areas. The actions involve China Coast Guard vessels and maritime forces operating near locations claimed by multiple countries.

The 24 September interception of Philippine vessels carrying supplies to the BRP Sierra Madre occurred about 60 nautical miles from Second Thomas Shoal, which lies within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, according to the source report. The Philippine Coast Guard said the manoeuvres placed Filipino personnel at risk.

China’s state-run Global Times reported that Beijing considered the Philippine mission unlawful because it lacked Chinese approval. China News also attributed a statement to China Coast Guard spokesperson Jiang Lue regarding the dispute.

"The Philippines broke its commitments" was stated by Jiang Lue, spokesperson of the China Coast Guard.

Manila has denied that a 2024 provisional agreement requires prior approval from Beijing for resupply missions. The dispute reflects a wider disagreement over whether China can enforce rules in waters also claimed by neighboring governments.

"The Philippines broke its commitments" was also attributed by China News to Jiang Lue, spokesperson of the China Coast Guard.

China has expanded a system of permissions and restrictions across the South China Sea through measures including fishing bans, administrative zones and patrol operations. The source report described these actions as creating a framework of control without resolving underlying ownership disputes.

China’s measures around Scarborough Shoal include declared baselines, a national nature reserve and fishing restrictions requiring approval, according to the source report. A 2021 Coast Guard Law also allows weapons use in maritime areas under Chinese jurisdiction, while 2024 regulations allow detention of foreign nationals suspected of illegal entry for up to 60 days.

"Without prior approval" was included in Chinese management rules for fishing restrictions around Scarborough Shoal, according to the source report.

The 2016 arbitration ruling in the Philippines v China case rejected China’s historic rights claims under international law and found that Second Thomas Shoal is within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. China has continued expanding military facilities on artificial islands and increasing Coast Guard patrols despite the ruling.

"Second navy" was used in the source report to describe the China Coast Guard’s expanded role in maritime operations.