South China Sea update: New supply mission raises eyebrows at disputed shoal
Philippines completed supply run to grounded vessel at Second Thomas Shoal while China claims it gave permission. This move adds another chapter to long-running maritime territorial dispute in South China Sea
Last thursday Philippines military sent supplies to its grounded ship at Second Thomas Shoal - a move that didnt go unnoticed by Chinese authorities
The supply mission targeted the Sierra Madre (an old-school warship) which sits at the disputed atoll thats part of Manilaʼs economic zone. Liu Dejun from Chinaʼs Coast Guard made a statement saying they let this happen: “with permission“ even though they think the ship is there against rules
The Philippine Coast Guard confirmed the mission which included staff rotation and re-supply of the vessel. China keeps saying it controls who visits the ship but Manila hasnt agreed with these claims before
The situation fits into bigger South-East Asian maritime dispute where China says it owns most of South China Sea despite other countries claims:
- Brunei
- Indonesia
- Malaysia
- Philippines
- Vietnam
About 8 years ago international court in Hague said Chinaʼs claims arent legal - but Beijing just ignores this decision. The courtʼs ruling shows how complex the whole thing is - with different countries trying to protect their sea borders
China wants Philippines to “work in same direction“ to handle sea issues but both sides cant agree on basic stuff like who controls what. The Second Thomas Shoal sits inside Manilaʼs 200-mile economic zone which makes things even more complicated
