Key facts
- Satellite images showed a suspected structure at the entrance of Scarborough Shoal in late May.
- A barrier was also visible across the atoll in earlier May images.
- Later satellite imagery from June 1 indicated the structure was no longer present.
- The Philippines is investigating the reports of the new structure.
- China claims indisputable sovereignty over the island and its adjacent waters.
Satellite images obtained by Reuters confirmed the presence of a structure, possibly a floating raft or buoy, at the entrance of the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea in late May. Earlier imagery also showed a barrier stretching across the atoll. However, subsequent satellite images from June 1 suggest the structure is no longer present. The Philippines' Defence Secretary, Gilberto Teodoro, stated that the country is investigating these reports. China, which claims indisputable sovereignty over the island, stated that any activities carried out by China are legitimate rights of a sovereign state, without confirming the presence of the structure. Scarborough Shoal is a highly disputed maritime site, and recent years have seen frequent clashes between Chinese coast guard vessels and Philippine fishermen. The area is strategically important due to its proximity to major shipping lanes and its rich fish stocks. A 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration backed Manila's claims regarding international law violations by China's blockade, though sovereignty over the shoal itself was outside the ruling's scope. Last year, China's announcement of a national nature reserve at the shoal was denounced by the Philippines as a pretext for occupation. The incident occurred shortly after Philippine and U.S. forces conducted a joint maritime exercise in the same waters.