China Stands Firm on South China Sea 'Floating Barrier' Amid Manila's Push for Removal

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs defended the installation of a "floating barrier" in the South China Sea, claiming its coastguard took necessary measures in accordance with the law to drive away a Philippine vessel. The Philippines condemned the barrier, stating that it violated international law and the traditional fishing rights of Filipino fishermen. The Philippines vowed to take appropriate actions to have the barriers removed, potentially setting up a face-off with China's coastguard. The Scarborough Shoal, where the barrier was discovered, is within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, but China claims it as part of its territory.