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People can repeat that the shoal is nearer the Philippines and I can repeat that, using the same examples I already have and others, it is quite irrelevant. Th
by NotPaidToPost 7y ago
People can repeat that the shoal is nearer the Philippines and I can repeat that, using the same examples I already have and others, it is quite irrelevant.
The borders in the area where decided by Westerners, China was shortchanged and is now using the Western approach: Land, claim, defend.
The reality on the ground is that China (and that really does include both the PRC and Taiwan) claims this area and that it physically occupies it. Unless the Philippines and others propose to start a war the area is therefore de facto Chinese.
- openasocket 7y agoThey do not physically occupy the land, you're thinking of the Spratly islands, where they have built several airports and other buildings. The Scarborough Shoal has no buildings of any kind, nor personnel.
- NotPaidToPost 7y agoMy understanding is that they haven't built any structure yet but that they effectively occupy the shoal by guarding it with coast guard and navy ships: I.e. if you tried to reach the place you'd have to go past the Chinese Navy first.
- NotPaidToPost 7y agoTalking Key West made me browse the area on Google maps. I found that one interesting. Reminded me of something. https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@24.6285609,-82.8711957,2321m/data=!3m1!1e3 https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@24.6285609,-82.8711957,2321m/... Plus ça change...
- jki275 7y agoChina's occupation is illegal, both by UNCLOS and directly from the UN -- the Philippines won the case. There have been international conventions for many years on how sea control works. China does whatever it wants -- but that doesn't make the area Chinese, it means they're violating international agreements and conventions and treaties.