In pictures: How a tribunal ruling may affect the fate of Filipino fishermen
- Published
Parts of the South China Sea are claimed by both China and the Philippines, with the latter filing a complaint with an international tribunal over Chinese activity in the region. A long-awaited ruling on that complaint will be released on Tuesday.
The Scarborough Shoal (called Huangyan Island in China) in the South China Sea is one of a few popular fishing ground among Filipino fishermen. It is about 160km (100 miles) from the Philippines and 800km from China.
One fishermen said that the shallow waters and reefs of the Scarborough Shoal mean that up to 200kg of fish can be caught in just over an hour.
But Filipino fishermen have had run-ins with Chinese ships and say their livelihoods are under threat.
"I was angry at their gall to shoo us away when we were clearly inside Philippine territory", a 30-year-old fisherman (not pictured) who was allegedly chased away by Chinese boats, told news agency AFP.
An expedition to the shoal costs nearly $2,000 (£1,500) per boat, money the boats owners cannot make back if they return with no catch.
Observers say the ruling could favour the Philippines, though China has boycotted the tribunal saying it would not "accept, recognise or execute" the decision, meaning things might not improve for the fishermen either way.
- Published7 July 2023
- Published12 July 2016
