15-11-2024 (BEIJING) In a rare gesture of accommodation amid ongoing South China Sea tensions, China’s coast guard has announced it allowed a Philippine civilian vessel to deliver supplies to what it terms an “illegally” grounded warship at Second Thomas Shoal.
Coast guard spokesman Liu Dejun confirmed the November 14 mission was permitted to proceed, whilst urging Manila to “honour its commitments” and collaborate with Beijing in managing maritime disputes. The statement notably maintained China’s position on the Philippine navy vessel’s presence, which has been deliberately beached at the shoal since 1999.
