Chinese fishing boats in Philippine waters, might this be strike 3 for China and the Philippines? The 2 countries again tangled over fishing boats. The Chinese government demanded that the Philippine Government give back the fishing boats that the latter took from the former. Why? Because the Chinese fishing boats were supposedly in Philippine territorial waters, but strangely enough, of the China Sea. Well, it might be the China Sea but it is a body of water all over Southeast Asia so it might be part of the Philippine territorial waters.
However the Chinese Government disagreed. According to Chinese authorities, Chinese anglers have been frequenting the challenged area for decades. The Chinese have been rowing their fishing boats in that territory because it is a traditional fishing ground. It is a shame.
The 2 nations are also tangling over the Spratly Island because surrounding the isle is said to be a terrific haven for doing some fishing. I ought to say that it is because while the Spratly Island is inhabited by a small number of men and women, it is yet to be declared to be owned by one nation. It has no owner, I should say and at least four countries are battling for it including China and the Philippines.
Spratly Island is allegedly sought after because of its richness in oil and mineral deposits. But local people of the Island will let you know to bring your fishing boats to the area because it is also abundant in underwater assets.
This is the initial strike between strained relations between the Philippines and China. The 2nd strike was when a policeman got a bit insane and took a bus full of Manilla residents hostage. Many men and women were killed on that day. Awful, terrible day for the Chinese.
However, for the occupants of Spratly Island, it’s not bad for the Filipinos and Chinese in the area. They have lived as neighbors for a long time and they are one community. It is a shame that this has to be strained by fishing boats. Those fishing boats could have been very good looking or just plain good for the business of hooking sea food.
It is said that the Chinese boats were captured while the Philippine ship was hanging around the questioned water area when the bigger Philippine ship hit a dinghy being pulled behind by one of the Chinese boats. This alerted Philippine officials on-board and made the needed procedures returning the fishermen to their home nation but leaving behind the valuable fishing boats that mean livelihood.