From Beijing's perspective, the actions taken by the China Coast Guard are necessary measures to protect its territorial integrity. China maintains that Scarborough Shoal, which it refers to as Huangyan Island, is an inherent part of its territory based on historical records and long-standing administrative control. By deploying water cannons, the Chinese authorities argue they are exercising their right to deter what they characterize as illegal incursions by foreign vessels into their sovereign waters.
Proponents of this approach emphasize that China has a duty to manage its maritime borders against unauthorized activity. They argue that the presence of Philippine government ships under the guise of supporting fishermen is a strategic maneuver to challenge China's jurisdiction. Consequently, the use of non-lethal force is viewed as a measured, professional response designed to uphold national law without resorting to kinetic military conflict.
This stance is also rooted in the belief that external powers, particularly the United States, are encouraging the Philippines to take a more confrontational posture. Supporters argue that China's firm response is essential to prevent the erosion of its regional influence and to ensure that its maritime interests are not undermined by neighboring countries acting in concert with Western allies. For Beijing, maintaining a strong presence at the shoal is a matter of national security and regional stability.
Ultimately, this perspective holds that the responsibility for the current tension lies with those who challenge the status quo. By maintaining a consistent and assertive presence, China aims to discourage further provocations. Supporters believe that if other nations respected China's historical claims, such incidents would not occur, and regional peace would be better preserved through clear, enforced boundaries.