Q1. When the Philippines asked for arbitration over the Huangyan Dao, also known as the Scarborough Shoal, in the South China Sea, it ignored China's historic claims over this island dating back to the 13th century. China claims a history of continuous use and exercise of authority in the South China Sea spanning over two thousand years--- evidence for this including a book that dates back more than 600 years.
The BBC reports that the book's owner – a fisherman on China's Hainan island – threw this book away, because it was damaged. Let's get more insight from our reporter Han Bin, who interviewed the book's owner a year ago. Han Bin, what's your take on the book, and the BBC report?
A1. The BBC report questions the "Genglubu," or "Road Book" in English. Genglubu is an ancient Chinese navigation log. Chinese fishermen in Hainan province have used copies of it for centuries to guide their voyages. The book designates specific names to most features in the South China Sea.
It provides detailed directions and distances for navigational routes. There are many versions—preserving generations of hard-won experience. The BBC report not only implies the fisherman's copy was more than 600 years-old, but also seems to suggest that the Road Book is the sole basis for China's claim of sovereignty.
As someone who has seen this book, I would point out that the contents of the book are more than 600 years-old, whatever about the fisherman's physical copy. There are also a number of other documents and archaeological findings to support China's claims. The Genglubu is just one of them. While there are overlapping territorial claims in these waters, few countries have questioned the fact that China was the first country to discover and name the islands in the South China Sea.
The BBC story reports little of the Road Book's long history, and neglects to discuss the other documents supporting China's claims. The following story may provide the content the current media debate is slowly unfolding.
The BBC story comes at a critical moment in the arbitration. It highlights the conflicting views on China's claims in the South China Sea. I think "fairness" is a journalistic principle shared by most professionals, regardless of nationality. But all news organizations express – to a greater or lesser degree – a point-of-view.
In this case, the question is whether western news organizations have published or broadcast a fair, balanced and accurate account of China's point-of-view. From China's perspective, the Road Book provides evidence that Chinese fishermen were the first to discover and name the disputed islands in the South China Sea. The "ironclad proof" is in some ways determined by how a person perceives, and by which resources the media focuses on.
A roadbook for Chinese fishermen
Heading South. To meet a veteran fisherman and honored captain. This man has spent his lifetime in the South China Sea. No one seems to know the area better. Su Chengfen now lives in Tanmen town, in Hainan province. The 80-year-old is building a model of the boat he took with his grandfather. They sailed to the Nansha Islands, also known as the Spratlys, when he was 13.
"This is the head sail, this is the main sail, and that's the tail sail. When the storms were strong enough to overturn the boat, we had to close down the sails. The waves tossed the boat up and down. Water flooded into it. It was so dangerous," Su said.
Su Chengfen showed me the secret of his voyages. It's a navigation log of the South China Sea. Tanmen people call it "Genglubu", which means the "Road Book". There are numerous versions, centuries of hard-won experience. Every island and its surrounding conditions are clearly described. Chinese experts believe they are clear evidence that Chinese fishermen were the first explorers in the South China Sea.
"With the increasing complexity of disputes in the South China Sea, many surrounding countries have intensified their actual control over the islands and reefs. Chinese fishermen have been harassed more often in traditional fishing areas. Some have been expelled or detained. It will be a big challenge to maintain normal fishing and exploration activities and protect the islands," Wu Shicun, president of National Institute for South China Sea Studies, said.
The people of Tanmen have been fishing in the South China Sea for generations. Before he retired at 60, Su Chengfen used this compass and the "Genglubu" on all his journeys. In 1972, he was detained by Vietnam. Since then, he has never returned to the Nanshas.
"We went fishing in the South China Sea, because we regard this area as our home waters, or Ancestor's Sea. It's also because we hope to defend our territorial waters from encroachment by other countries," Su said.
Tanmen is a very small fishing town, which has become well known, as its residents work on China 's maritime frontier. Fishing is a long tradition here, but it's not just about money. Life for the fishermen is extremely hard, and the disputes and unrest are making it harder. They hope that they can carry on in peaceful waters.
A big boat, big fish and sailing on the open waters. That's what Su Chengfen wants for his grandchildren. He knows he's too old to return to the sea. But he hopes the fishermen of Tanmen can continue to cast their nets.
