Chinese fishing boats in Philippine seas, could this be strike three for China and the Philippines? The two countries again tangled over fishing vessels. The Chinese government requested that the Philippine Government return the vessels that the latter took from the former. How come? Because the Chinese vessels were said to be in Philippine territorial seas, but strangely enough, of the China Sea. Well, it might be the China Sea however it is a body of water all over Southeast Asia so it might be a part of the Philippine territorial seas.
However the Chinese Government did not agree. According to Chinese authorities, Chinese anglers have been often visiting the challenged area for many years. The Chinese have been rowing their fishing vessels in that territory because it is an established angling ground. Too bad.
The two nations are also tangling over the Spratly Island because surrounding the isle is said to be an incredible haven for fishing. I ought to say that it is because while the Spratly Island is lived in by a handful of men and women, it is yet to be declared to be possessed by one country. It has no owner, I should say and at least four countries are battling for it including China and the Philippines.
Spratly Island is reportedly sought after because of its richness in oil and mineral deposits. But residents of the Island will tell you to bring your fishing vessels to the area because it is also plentiful in marine assets.
This is the initial strike between strained relations between the Philippines and China. The 2nd strike was when a police officer became a little crazy and took a bus full of Manilla residents hostage. Numerous men and women were murdered on that day. Awful, terrible day for the Chinese.
Nevertheless, for the inhabitants of Spratly Island, it’s not bad for the Filipinos and Chinese in the area. They have resided as neighbors for a number of years and they are one community. Too bad that this has to be strained by fishing vessels. Those vessels could have been very good looking or just plain good for the enterprise of catching fish.
It is stated that the Chinese vessels were taken while the Philippine ship was hanging around the questioned water area when the larger Philippine boat hit a dinghy being pulled behind by one of the Chinese boats. This alerted Philippine officials on-board and made the needed procedures returning the fishermen to their home country but leaving behind the precious fishing vessels that mean livelihood.