Row with China hurts Philippine fishermen

Tensions between China and the Philippines remain high amid a continuing stalemate over the disputed, resource-rich Scarborough Shoal.

China has maritime spats with several countries, including the Philippines, in the South China Sea, believed to be rich in oil and gas and crossed by important shipping lanes, and its neighbours fear its growing naval reach in staking claim to a number of disputed areas.

Situated between the Philippines and China, Scarborough Shoal has long provided a living for Filipino and Chinese fishermen. The dispute over the group of islands began on April 10 when the Philippine navy accused Chinese ships of fishing there illegally.

Since the row started, China’s increasing maritime presence in the area has forced many Philippine fishermen to stay at bay, severely reducing their livelihood, in fear of exacerbating tensions.

Al Jazeera’s Marga Ortigas reports from the west coast of the Philippines.