While Chinese President Xi Jinping preached global cooperation and warned of “arrogant isolation” in a video address to the World Economic Forum this week, China prepared to carry out a new law that allows its coast guard to fire on foreign vessels—including Filipino fishing boats—in disputed areas of the South China Sea. The law passed by China allows the Chinese coast guard to “take all necessary measures, including the use of weapons when national sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction are being illegally infringed upon by foreign organizations or individuals at sea.” The law would also allow personnel of the Chinese Coast Guard to “demolish” other countries’ structures built on China-claimed reefs and to board and inspect vessels in waters claimed by China.

China's gunboat diplomacy. (2021, January 28). Manila Standard, p. B1.