China to seize foreign ships in disputed seas

**cyppok** · 01 Dec 12,, 19:46

Just when you thought everything was fine we have an improvement.

Global Hotspot: China police plan to seize foreign ships in disputed seas | StratRisks

Under new rules that threaten to greatly increase the risk of armed conflict, Chinese law enforcers starting next year will be boarding and seizing foreign vessels in areas claimed by China in the volatile West Philippine Sea, according to a report by the Chinese state media.

“That’s too much. While we are exerting all peaceful means, that is what they are doing,” said Lt. Gen. Juancho Sabban, commander of the AFP’s Western Command. “That’s a violation of (the rules) over international passage.”

Sabban was reacting to the report in the official China Daily that said revised regulations allow Chinese authorities to board and search all ships that will enter its territorial waters.

New rules, which come into effect on January 1, will allow Hainan police to board and seize control of foreign ships which “illegally enter” Chinese waters and order them to change course or stop sailing, the official China Daily reported.

“Activities such as entering the island province’s waters without permission, damaging coastal defense facilities, and engaging in publicity that threatens national security are illegal,” the English-language newspaper said.

Both China and the Philippines — as well Taiwan, Malaysia, Brunei and Vietnam — are locked in a dispute over ownership of the Spratly Islands, a chain of islands and islets believed to be rich in oil and minerals deposits, in the West Philippine Sea.

De facto control of Panatag Shoal

China has already taken de facto control over the disputed Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal, after a stand-off that started last April when a Philippine Navy ship attempted to confiscate protected marine life from Chinese fishing boats. After Philippine boats voluntarily withdrew from the shoal, Chinese law enforcement ships formed a physical cordon around the shoal and have since prevented Philippine vessels from entering.

The Panatag Shoal has been a valuable shelter near the Zambales coast for Filipino fishermen seeking refuge from storms. They may need the shelter again as a storm has been spotted heading towards Luzon and is expected to make landfall and head west next week.

Philippine occupation of islands

Filipino troops are occupying nine islands in the disputed area, including Pag-asa Island, located some 200 nautical miles off Puerto Princesa City in Palawan province. Pag-asa serves as the seat of government of Kalayaan town in the province.

The military’s Western Command is in charge of protecting the country’s interest in the disputed area.

Sabban visited the troops stationed at the nine Philippine-occupied areas in the Spratlys last week. It took him four days to complete the visit of the nine islands, the first time for any Wescom commander.

Fa-la-la-la-la-la Ho-ho-ho. Santa is bringing presents.

My guess is its in retaliation fro Philippines and other seizing Chinese vessels fishing in their seazons apparently 90 miles near Phillipines is Chinese seazone.

Philippines seizes Chinese boats in South China Sea
Last year.

The curious thing is that this seizure thing is applicable to everyone so theoretically there would be a threat to passage for international shipping.

**Doktor** · 01 Dec 12,, 23:09

Would love to see them capture some ships under US flag heading towards Philippines.

**xinhui** · 02 Dec 12,, 05:24

Most of the international cargo ships fly greece and panama flags. This could meant for paramilitary or fishing boats. Either way, it is a step in the wrong direction.

**Double Edge** · 02 Dec 12,, 10:49

Originally Posted by cyppok

The curious thing is that this seizure thing is applicable to everyone so theoretically there would be a threat to passage for international shipping.

Indicating a lack of bilateral agreements or norms between the concerned states.

Does anybody here abide by the Laws of the Sea ?

**cdude** · 02 Dec 12,, 14:57

I am not arguing if it's the wrong direction or not. But it sure will make the game more expensive for Vietnam and the Philippines.

We'll see how many rounds these two players would go for. Or maybe US taxpayers could chip in for them. I don't mind.

**hanswu25** · 02 Dec 12,, 16:00

Originally Posted by cdude

I am not arguing if it's the wrong direction or not. But it sure will make the game more expensive for Vietnam and the Philippines.

We'll see how many rounds these two players would go for. Or maybe US taxpayers could chip in for them. I don't mind.

No need to provoke American tax payers here. Harassment of fishermen have been going on for years just without any official laws or instruction. However if China decides to step up, it should make sure it can produce enough escort vessels for its own ships. Recent years I have seen "an eye for an eye" in this dispute. Finally it is only ordinary people from involving parties who pays.

**hanswu25** · 02 Dec 12,, 16:05

Originally Posted by xinhui

Most of the international cargo ships fly greece and panama flags. This could meant for paramilitary or fishing boats. Either way, it is a step in the wrong direction.

It may include research vessel, oil explorer, tourist cruiser etc. The point is China refuses to release the detailed plan, which means "flexibility" and double standard will be applied to any whom China wishes to provoke.

**cdude** · 02 Dec 12,, 16:33

Originally Posted by hanswu25

It may include research vessel, oil explorer, tourist cruiser etc. The point is China refuses to release the detailed plan, which means "flexibility" and double standard will be applied to any whom China wishes to provoke.

Since when you lived in a single-standard world? Stop using the word "provoke". You are only provoked if you choose to be. China is just doing what she has been telling you what she's going to do for years.

**cdude** · 02 Dec 12,, 16:35

Originally Posted by hanswu25

No need to provoke American tax payers here. Harassment of fishermen have been going on for years just without any official laws or instruction. However if China decides to step up, it should make sure it can produce enough escort vessels for its own ships. Recent years I have seen "an eye for an eye" in this dispute. Finally it is only ordinary people from involving parties who pays.

What do you mean no need? I am a fracking US tax payer and I am ok with giving you some dollar to eventually bring the Viet-communist government down.

Exactly, it's an eye for an eye, so what are you complaining here?

**hanswu25** · 02 Dec 12,, 17:00

Originally Posted by cdude

Since when you lived in a single-standard world? Stop using the word "provoke". You are only provoked if you choose to be. China is just doing what she has been telling you what she's going to do for years.

So can we be saved from all the songs "charm offensive", "peaceful rise" or "harmonic ocean" yet?

**hanswu25** · 02 Dec 12,, 17:05

Originally Posted by cdude

What do you mean no need? I am a fracking US tax payer and I am ok with giving you some dollar to eventually bring the Viet-communist government down.

Exactly, it's an eye for an eye, so what are you complaining here?

I complain about who takes other people eyes out first.

**cdude** · 02 Dec 12,, 20:11

Originally Posted by hanswu25

So can we be saved from all the songs "charm offensive", "peaceful rise" or "harmonic ocean" yet?

oh please, like you ever believed that. Buy some Russian and American toys and some protection maybe if I were your government. That will help the job numbers here in the US and every trading partner wins.

**kato** · 02 Dec 12,, 21:21

Originally Posted by cyppok

apparently 90 miles near Phillipines is Chinese seazone.

All waters further west of Palawan than the 12-mile territorial zone are contested. The island group called Kalayaan by the Philippines and its associated EEZ section that lays further west out from Palawan are the Spratleys which pretty much everyone in the neighborhood claims unilaterally for themselves.

**xinhui** · 03 Dec 12,, 04:21

Already..... be nice hanswu25 and cdude or I will close this thread.

**cdude** · 03 Dec 12,, 18:23

"Analysts say the rules appear to apply only to the 12 nautical miles of territorial waters around every island China claims, but it is unclear what they will mean in practice."

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000...857113510.html