Philippines accuses China of obstructing resupply mission in South China Sea
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A China Coast Guard ship on the horizon, through a telescopic view in Philippine-occupied Thitu Island in the disputed South China Sea on Feb 21.
PHOTO: REUTERS
- The Philippine Coast Guard accused China of obstructing a resupply mission to troops on a grounded warship in the South China Sea, citing dangerous manoeuvres that endangered Filipino personnel.
- China's actions were called violations of international law and a 2016 arbitral ruling, prompting the Philippines to demand an end to interference with lawful resupply missions.
- Despite tensions, Manila plans to continue lawful operations asserting its sovereign rights, following a 2024 provisional arrangement with Beijing to manage resupply missions peacefully.
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MANILA – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) accused China on Sept 25 of obstructing a resupply mission to troops on board a grounded World War II-era warship in the South China Sea, saying dangerous manoeuvres by Chinese vessels “put Filipino personnel at risk” and prevented the mission from being completed.
“There was no collision, and no one was injured, but the dangerous manoeuvres of the China Coast Guard created a serious risk of collision,” said Jay Tarriela, a PCG spokesperson on South China Sea issues.
The PCG said the China Coast Guard and the People’s Liberation Army Navy “obstructed a legitimate humanitarian and sustainment operation” to Second Thomas Shoal on Sept 24.
It said China’s actions were inconsistent with international law and a 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated Beijing’s sweeping claims in the South China Sea.
The Philippines called on China to stop interfering with its lawful resupply missions.
The PCG said it would continue its lawful operations in the South China Sea and exercise Manila’s sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the waterway.
China Coast Guard spokesperson Jiang Lue said the Philippines had ignored Beijing’s warnings when it sent the resupply vessel to the grounded warship, prompting “on-site monitoring” and verbal warnings by China.
In 2024, Manila and Beijing reached a provisional arrangement on resupply missions to Second Thomas Shoal, which the Philippine foreign ministry has said helped prevent confrontations between the two sides.
In July, Manila accused the China Coast Guard of firing a water cannon at government vessels near Scarborough Shoal and striking a Philippine navy staff member with a wooden baton during a separate encounter near Second Thomas Shoal. REUTERS