China Says It Allowed Philippine Resupply Mission to Grounded Warship at Disputed Shoal

The Philippines delivered necessities to its grounded warship BRP Sierra Madre at the Second Thomas Shoal on Wednesday, with China saying the mission took place with its permission.

The China Coast Guard said the delivery was carried out “with permission from the Chinese side”. It also said it conducted confirmation checks and maintained full supervision throughout the operation.

China’s account came as diplomatic tensions remained high over a controversial comment by its ambassador. The Philippines had summoned Beijing’s ambassador over remarks it deemed threatening, according to the report.

China’s account of the operation

China Coast Guard spokesman Jiang Lue said China would continue to carry out rights-protection and law enforcement activities in the area. The statement did not change the fact that the mission involved a Philippine warship grounded at the disputed shoal.

The warship is the BRP Sierra Madre, which the Philippines resupplied with necessities during the latest mission. China described the operation through its coastguard statement, including its claim of supervision throughout the delivery.

Why the shoal matters

The Second Thomas Shoal is one of the major flashpoints in the South China Sea. It is known as Ren’ai Jiao in China and Ayungin Shoal in the Philippines.

The latest mission therefore comes amid both an ongoing dispute over the shoal and a fresh diplomatic strain between Beijing and Manila. China’s coastguard said it would continue its activities in the area.