7-8-2023 (BEIJING) Tensions escalated in the South China Sea as China demanded the Philippines to remove its grounded warship from the Second Thomas Shoal. This demand came after the Chinese coast guard blocked two Manila supply ships using water cannons over the weekend. Both sides are asserting their claims over the disputed area.
The Philippines accused the Chinese coast guard of obstructing and water-cannoning a Philippine military supply ship during what they claimed to be a routine troop rotation and resupply mission on Saturday. The ship was intended for the Philippine warship, a World War Two-era American vessel with a few troops stationed on board.
China responded by stating that it had previously warned Manila against sending ships to the Second Thomas Shoal, as well as sending construction materials for large-scale repairs and reinforcement to the warship. The Chinese coast guard released a statement on Monday emphasizing this point.
Furthermore, China urged the Philippines to restore the Second Thomas Shoal and stated that it had permitted the transport of essential supplies, including food, to the grounded ship. The Chinese statement added that the use of water cannons was meant to prevent a direct collision.
The Philippines intentionally grounded the warship in 1999 as a means of asserting its claim to the Second Thomas Reef, which is a submerged reef within the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea.
China, on the other hand, maintains “indisputable” sovereignty over the region and called on the Philippines to cease any infringing activities in the area.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr of the Philippines addressed the situation on Monday, affirming the country’s commitment to sovereignty and territorial rights despite the challenges in the South China Sea. Marcos stated that the Philippines had lodged a complaint against China.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the maritime incident. However, the Philippine government is now considering its next steps in resupplying its troops.
It is important to note that China claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, including the Spratly Islands. These islands, which consist of numerous islets, reefs, banks, and shoals, are strategically located in the heart of the South China Sea and along major shipping routes.
Multiple countries, including China, Vietnam, Taiwan, Brunei, Malaysia, and the Philippines, assert their claims over the Spratly Islands. The complex situation has led to ongoing disputes and tensions in the region.
