– Detention without trial authorized in South China Sea
Beijing now allows its coast guard to detain foreigners at sea for up to 60 days, based on mere suspicion.
Published today at 9:29 a.m.
Beijing claims almost the entire South China Sea despite rival claims from the Philippines, Vietnam and Malaysia. (illustrative photo)
AFP
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The Chinese coast guard will now be able to detain, without trial, foreigners “suspected of having violated the management of border entries and exits”, according to the new regulations published online by Beijing and which came into force on Saturday. A detention period of up to sixty days is provided for “complicated cases” and “if the nationality and identity (of the detainees) are unclear”.
Beijing claims almost the entire South China Sea despite rival claims from the Philippines, Vietnam and Malaysia, ignoring a 2016 international judgment against it. “Foreign vessels that have illegally entered China’s territorial waters and adjoining waters may be detained in accordance with law,” the text explains.
To strengthen its territorial claims, China deploys boats and fast craft to patrol the waters and reefs of the South China Sea. It has also built militarized artificial islands in waters near the Philippines.
Tensions between Manila and Beijing
Philippine army chief Gen. Romeo Brawner told reporters Friday that Philippine authorities were “discussing a number of measures to protect (their) fishermen.” They should “not be afraid to continue their normal fishing activities in our exclusive economic zone,” the general said.
In recent months, tensions between Manila and Beijing have reached unprecedented levels, and incidents have multiplied. In order to assert Beijing’s demands, Chinese coast guard vessels have repeatedly used water cannons, damaging several Philippine vessels and injuring crew members.
A protester holds a sign against Chinese actions in the disputed waters of the South China Sea during a rally on June 11 in front of the Chinese consulate in Makati City.
KEYSTONE
G7 leaders, meeting at a summit in southern Italy since Thursday, described Chinese incursions in these waters as “dangerous”. “We oppose China’s militarization and its coercive and intimidatory activities in the South China Sea,” they wrote in a joint statement on Friday.
This vast maritime area is rich in resources and much of the trade between Asia and the rest of the world passes through it.
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