Key facts
- Satellite images showed a suspected structure at Scarborough Shoal on May 27, 29, and 30.
- Later satellite imagery from June 1 suggests the structure is no longer present.
- The Philippines is investigating the reports of the structure.
- China seized de facto control of the atoll in 2012.
- The Scarborough Shoal is a disputed maritime site in the South China Sea.
The Philippines is investigating reports of a suspected structure at the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. Satellite images obtained by Reuters on May 27, 29, and 30 showed what an analyst identified as possibly a floating raft or buoy at the opening of the atoll, along with a barrier across it in earlier images. However, later imagery from June 1 suggests the structure is no longer present. China has attempted to block access to the atoll since seizing de facto control in 2012. Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro stated that the government is taking the reports seriously, particularly concerning national sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction within the West Philippine Sea. The Scarborough Shoal, known as 'Huangyan Dao' in China, is a highly disputed maritime site. Recent years have seen frequent clashes between Chinese coast guard vessels and Philippine fishermen around the shoal. A 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration supported Manila's claims regarding traditional fishing grounds but did not establish sovereignty over the shoal itself, stating China's blockade violated international law. Last year, China's creation of a national nature reserve at the shoal was denounced by the Philippines as a pretext for occupation.