29-1-2024 (BEIJING) The Chinese coastguard announced “temporary special arrangements” permitting the Philippines to deliver supplies to troops stationed at a grounded World War Two-era vessel situated at a disputed reef.
Previously, the Chinese coastguard had deployed vessels to obstruct Philippine missions aimed at supplying troops on the transport ship, which now serves as a military outpost at the Second Thomas Shoal, located 190km off the Philippine island of Palawan.
In a statement released on its official WeChat account late on Saturday, the Chinese coastguard affirmed that it had allowed necessary supplies while asserting its unwavering commitment to defending China’s sovereignty and maritime rights and interests at the Second Thomas Shoal and its surrounding waters.
The WeChat statement revealed, “On Jan 21, a small aircraft from the Philippines airdropped supplies to the illegally beached warship.” It further elaborated, “The Chinese coastguard has closely monitored the situation, adhering to laws and regulations, and has made temporary special arrangements for the Philippines to replenish necessary daily supplies.”
China, asserting sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, delineates a line on its maps that encroaches into the exclusive economic zones of Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia.
The Chinese government has persistently urged the Philippines to tow away the ship, citing a purported promise made by Manila, a claim refuted by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The WeChat message issued on Saturday accused the “relevant parties” in the Philippines of intentionally misleading international opinion and disregarding facts, asserting that such actions are detrimental to easing tensions in the South China Sea.
