Philippine Resupply Mission in South China Sea Faces Challenges from Chinese Vessels
The recent resupply mission undertaken by the Philippines in the South China Sea was anything but smooth. As the nation aimed to provide provisions for its troops located on an aged World War Two-era vessel, Chinese vessels responded with a game of maritime cat and mouse.
An Eyewitness Account from Reuters
Reuters, a globally renowned news agency, had reporters onboard one of the Philippine Coast Guard’s vessels. The reporters were accompanying the mission to the Second Thomas Shoal and observed firsthand the challenges posed by the Chinese Coast Guard and their maritime militia. These Chinese vessels attempted to hinder and even block the Philippine fleet from reaching its intended destination. The stark claim from China was that the Philippines had breached their waters without the necessary permissions.
During this mission, the situation escalated to a point where two Chinese ships strategically positioned themselves to obstruct two Philippine coast guard vessels. Adding to the tension, a Philippine ship later found itself encircled by a Chinese coast guard vessel and an additional three maritime militia ships.
The reporters from Reuters also experienced a tense moment. A Chinese ship approached their Philippine vessel at a potentially dangerous proximity. At the same time, other Chinese militia ships were observed trying to block its route.
Emmanuel Dangate, the commanding officer of the Philippine Coast Guard, shared his concerns with the reporters post-mission. He noted, “We regularly face perilous manoeuvres, tailing actions, and obstructions. These come not only from China’s official coast guard vessels but also from their militia ships.” He stressed the importance of their mission, emphasizing, “It’s crucial that our soldiers stationed at BRP Sierra Madre receive the supplies they require.”
A Backdrop to the Tensions
This current narrative has historical roots. The Philippines, aiming to assert its sovereignty over the Second Thomas Shoal, intentionally ran the warship aground there in 1999. The shoal lies well within the 200-mile exclusive economic zone of the Philippines.
However, China’s coast guard reported differently, stating that two supply boats and two Philippine coast guard ships had entered waters near the shoal without securing permission from the Chinese government.
The disagreement between the two nations doesn’t end there. While China alleges that the Philippines is bringing in construction materials, thus bolstering the old warship and violating China’s claims of sovereignty over the shoal, the Philippines firmly refutes this. They maintain that the primary purpose of the mission was to provide food and water to their stationed troops.
Intriguingly, during the mission on Friday, an aircraft belonging to the U.S. Navy was also observed overhead.
Communication and Warnings
In an attempt to communicate the gravity of the situation, the Philippine coast guard broadcasted a radio message to their Chinese counterparts. The message carried a clear warning: the actions of the Chinese vessels could have diplomatic repercussions, potentially souring relations between the two nations.
Describing the Chinese maneuvers, the message highlighted them as “illegal, aggressive, and destabilising.”
The mission to the Second Thomas Shoal on Friday wasn’t the first of its kind. Previously, on August 5, another resupply mission faced resistance. In that instance, the Chinese coast guard resorted to using water cannons in an attempt to ward off the Philippine vessels.
Historical Context: Territorial Claims and Disputes
The South China Sea has been a long-standing point of contention. Various nations, including Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei, Taiwan, and the Philippines, have staked claims over different parts of this maritime region.
Highlighting the international recognition of the territorial complexities, in 2016, the Philippines secured a significant arbitration award against China. The tribunal, aiming to resolve territorial disputes, invalidated Beijing’s ambitious claim to sovereignty that extended over the majority of the South China Sea.
Conclusion
The South China Sea remains a sensitive area, teeming with geopolitical intricacies and national interests. The recent resupply mission by the Philippines and the subsequent challenges posed by Chinese vessels underscore the volatile nature of territorial claims in the region. With both nations holding strong to their stances and international arbitration awards in play, the future of the South China Sea remains uncertain, requiring careful diplomacy and mutual respect.
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