Recent satellite imagery shows what appears to be a barrier placed by China at the mouth of a contested fishing ground in the South China Sea.

Why It Matters

Scarborough Shoal lies within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, within which the country is entitled to exclusive fishing rights under maritime law.

China also claims the shoal—as it does most of the South China Sea —and has stepped up efforts to block Philippine access. Confrontations between Chinese and Philippine forces at Scarborough and other South China Sea flashpoints have brought renewed attention to Manila’s Mutual Defense Treaty with the United States.

Newsweek reached out to the Philippine coast guard and Chinese Foreign Ministry via emailed requests for comment.

What To Know

The barrier is visible in a pho

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