Decade after historic ruling, Philippine fishermen say driven away from disputed shoal by China

Decade after historic ruling: Philippine fishermen say China has pushed them away from Scarborough Shoal, even after Manila’s 2016 victory. Reuters reports that the shoal, known to China as Huangyan Dao, has been under China’s de facto control since 2012, and an international tribunal ruled Beijing’s broad maritime claims lacked legal basis. The court did not decide sovereignty over the shoal, which is also described as traditional fishing grounds shared by countries including the Philippines, China and Vietnam. Despite the ruling, fishermen from Masinloc say Chinese vessels have increased harassment, including water cannon use and anchor lines being cut. Rony Drio, 59, has not fished there since 2024, while Henrilito Empoc, 47, stopped in 2022. Manila says tensions continue as friction also flares this year over a Chinese floating barrier removed after protests.