MANILA, Sept. 25 — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) accused China on Friday of obstructing a resupply mission to Filipino troops aboard a grounded World War II-era warship in the South China Sea, saying dangerous maneuvers by Chinese vessels “put Filipino personnel at risk” and prevented the mission from being completed.
PCG spokesperson Jay Tarriela, who handles South China Sea issues, said there was no collision and no injuries, but warned that the actions of the China Coast Guard created a serious risk of collision.
‘Legitimate humanitarian operation’
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 Thursday.
Manila said China’s actions were inconsistent with international law and the 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 added it would continue its lawful operations in the South China Sea and exercise Manila’s sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the waterway.
China says Philippines ignored warnings
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.
Tensions, however, have flared again in recent months. In July, Manila accused the China Coast Guard of firing 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.
