Philippine fishermen report continued harassment at Scarborough Shoal a decade after landmark ruling

A decade after a landmark ruling by an international tribunal on China’s claims in the South China Sea, fishermen in the Philippines say conditions at Scarborough Shoal have changed little for their livelihoods. Multiple outlets report that many local fishermen now avoid fishing in and around the shoal and its nearby waters because they fear harassment from Chinese vessels. The reports describe a gap between legal outcomes and day-to-day realities for fishing communities, with fishermen citing safety concerns linked to the presence and behavior of Chinese ships. While the earlier ruling is widely referenced as a historic victory for the Philippines, the sources say fishermen nonetheless face continuing restrictions in practice, including reduced access to traditional fishing grounds. The accounts focus on the experiences and concerns of fishermen rather than offering new details on legal proceedings or specific incidents, and they portray sustained pressure as the main reason they do not venture out. The reporting reflects the broader issue of contested maritime access in the South China Sea and its impact on coastal livelihoods.