Azeem USA

Scarborough Shoal: A Decade of Disputed Waters and Fishermen's Plight 📸 Image Credit: Reuters By Azeem-USA · Fri Jul 10 2026 English (en-US) Ten years ago, an international tribunal delivered a resounding victory for the Philippines, invalidating China's expansive claims in the South China Sea. The Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled that China had no historic rights to the waters, including the resource-rich Scarborough Shoal. This decision was hailed as a triumph for international law and a beacon of hope for nations asserting their sovereign rights against a rising regional power. Yet, for the very people most directly affected – the Filipino fishermen – the reality on the water tells a different, more challenging story. This post delves into the decade following that historic ruling, examining the persistent struggles faced by Philippine fishermen who continue to be denied access to their traditional fishing grounds by Chi...