The Philippines on September 24 condemned the Chinese coast guard for installing what it called a ‘floating barrier’ in a disputed area of the South China Sea and stated that it prevented Filipino boats from entering and fishing in the area. Philippine coast guard spokesperson Jay Tarriela stated the floating barrier was discovered by Philippine vessels during a routine maritime patrol and measured around 300 meters. Tarriela shared photos of the alleged floating barrier and claimed three Chinese coast guard boats and a Chinese maritime militia service boat had installed the floating barrier.
