Fishing Vessels for An Oil-Rich Island
Chinese fishing boats in Philippine seas, could this be strike 3 for China and the Philippines? The 2 countries again tangled over fishing ships. The People’s Republic of China requested that the Philippine Government return the boats that the latter took from the former. How come? Because the Chinese boats were stated to be in Philippine territorial seas, but oddly enough, of the China Sea. Well, it may be the China Sea however it is a body of water all over Southeast Asia so it may be a part of the Philippine territorial seas.
But the Chinese Government did not agree. According to Chinese authorities, Chinese fishermen have been frequenting the challenged area for generations. The Chinese have been rowing their fishing ships in that territory because it is a traditional fishing ground. Too bad.
The 2 governments are also tangling over the Spratly Island because surrounding the isle is said to be an awesome haven for doing some fishing. I ought to say that it is because while the Spratly Island is inhabited by a small number of individuals, it is yet to be declared to be owned by one country. It doesn’t have an owner, I should say and no less than 4 countries are battling for it including China and the Philippines.
Spratly Island is reportedly sought after because of its wealth in oil and mineral deposits. But locals of the Island will tell you to take your fishing ships to the region because it is also plentiful in underwater resources.
This is the first strike between strained relations between the Philippines and China. The second strike was when a policeman got a bit insane and took a bus full of Manilla residents hostage. Numerous individuals were killed that day. Horrible, terrible day for the Chinese.
However, for the inhabitants of Spratly Island, it’s not bad for the Filipinos and Chinese in the region. They have existed as neighbors for a long time and they are one community. Too bad that this has to be strained by fishing ships. Those boats may have been very nice looking or just plain good for the enterprise of catching fish.
It is said that the Chinese ships were seized while the Philippine ship was hanging around the disputed water area when the bigger Philippine vessel hit a dinghy being pulled behind by one of the Chinese boats. This alerted Philippine officials on-board and made the necessary procedures returning the fishermen to their home country but leaving behind the valuable fishing ships that mean sustenance.
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