The Growing Chinese Presence in Rozul Reef: A Concerning Development
The Chinese presence in Rozul (Iroquois) Reef, located within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), has been steadily increasing. According to a maritime transparency project that monitors activities in the South China Sea, this presence is a cause for concern. It is important to understand the implications of this development and its potential impact on the region.
The Environmental Consequences of Chinese Activities
Recently, extensive underwater surveys conducted by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) revealed severe damage inflicted upon the marine environment and coral reefs in Rozul Reef. These surveys discovered that 33 Chinese maritime vessels were “swarming” the area for over a month, from August 9 to September 11, 2023. The findings of the surveys highlight the detrimental impact of these activities on the fragile ecosystem of the reef.
A Semi-Permanent Chinese Presence
Retired US Air Force Col. Ray Powell, the director of Sealight, a maritime transparency project, has reported that China’s maritime militia has established a “semi-permanent presence” in Rozul Reef. Satellite photos obtained by Sealight show the size and composition of China’s current presence in the area. The images reveal two groups of rafted Chinese ships at the southern end of the reef. One group consists of five ships, while the other group consists of two.
It is important to note that rafting is a gray zone tactic employed by China. This tactic involves tying ships together at anchor to establish semi-persistent floating outposts that are challenging to disperse due to their collective mass. These outposts serve as a means for China to assert its presence in the region without engaging in new construction activities.
The Spratly Backbone Fishing Vessels (SBFVs)
The ships monitored in Rozul Reef are primarily components of China’s People’s Armed Forces Maritime Militia (PAFMM), known as Spratly Backbone Fishing Vessels (SBFVs). According to a report by the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative, these vessels receive generous government subsidies, allowing them to remain at sea for nearly the entire year. The purpose of this extended presence is to assert China’s maritime claims in the area.
Powell emphasizes that this gray zone tactic enables the PAFMM to effectively occupy features without incurring the cost of new construction activities. Simultaneously, China can claim that the presence of its ships is both legal and unremarkable. It is crucial to recognize the implications of this strategy and its impact on the territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
A Multifaceted Chinese Presence
While the Spratly Backbone Fishing Vessels form a significant part of China’s presence in Rozul Reef, it is essential to note that the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessels are frequently sighted in the area as well. On April 21, Planet Labs, a partner of Sealight, captured images of CCG 4202 conducting an “intrusive patrol mission” within the reef. This intrusive patrolling is a key component of China’s strategy to reinforce its expansive maritime claims in disputed waters.
By establishing a continuous presence through intrusive patrolling, China aims to gradually normalize its maritime activities in these areas. This approach allows Beijing to assert de facto jurisdiction over areas granted to other nations under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The continuous presence of Chinese vessels in Rozul Reef demonstrates Beijing’s resolve to solidify its claims and exert control over the region.
The Implications for the Philippines and the International Community
The growing Chinese presence in Rozul Reef has significant implications, not only for the Philippines but also for the international community. The state of the seabed in Rozul Reef serves as evidence that the Philippine government plans to use in an environmental case against China. The case will be filed before the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands, to address China’s alleged destructive activities in the West Philippine Sea.
Sealight emphasizes that the publicized destruction of the coral reef in Rozul Reef and the subsequent legal action by the Philippine government exemplify assertive transparency in action. However, with the ongoing “soft occupation” of the reef by China, there is a growing concern that Rozul Reef may eventually be permanently occupied by Beijing.
It is crucial for the international community to pay attention to this issue and support efforts to protect the marine environment and uphold the rule of law. The Chinese presence in Rozul Reef raises questions about the preservation of territorial integrity, environmental sustainability, and the peaceful resolution of disputes in the South China Sea. Collaborative efforts and diplomatic dialogue are necessary to address these concerns and ensure a stable and secure maritime environment for all nations involved.
Source: The Manila Times
